Boro and sashiko needs list

In this class you will construct either a small wallhanging or 1-2 placemat sized pieces, or several patches which could be applied to clothing, or you could work directly onto a pair of jeans or jacket.. It is optional whether you use a sewing machine to complete the initial structure before starting hand sewing but a sewing machine does speed things up.

Traditionally boro is made up of scraps of plain or printed/woven indigo dyed fabrics which are stitched together using white or natural sashiko thread.

Needs List

• Basic sewing supplies i.e scissors, needles, pins, unpicker.
• Chenille needles or sashiko needles that work with your chosen thread
• Sashiko thread or Perle cotton 5 or stranded cotton.  Colour to contrast with your fabrics.

Fabrics

• Top layer - Japanese fabric scraps (navy) - about half a metre worth
• Middle layer – scraps of brighter coloured silks or cottons.

Alternative colourway

• fabrics in any other colourway you wish to use - for example -  taupe and natural linens and cottons for the top layer and soft pastel colours for the middle layer.

Backing fabric

Approximately half  a metre of backing fabric in a looser weave such as linen, cotton broadcloth or brushed cotton. The looser weave makes it easier to hand stitch through. Boro is usually just layers of fabric so quilt batting is not required (unless you want to use it).

Optional

Sewing machine with walking foot

machine thread to match your fabrics

Cotton quilt batting