Japanese Sashiko Sewing Sampler

Join us in the Studio for a four-week series of classes introducing the fundamental techniques of Sashiko stitching with Renee Johnson, local fiber artist and our go-to for all things related to collecting and using Japanese fabrics, dyeing and sewing! 

The craft of Japanese Sashiko has evolved over many generations from a practical hand-sewing technique that could add warmth and strength to clothing by stitching together fabric scraps. Today it is still popular in many practical mending applications and in more decorative forms. You can add traditional Sashiko inspired patterns to jeans, jackets, bags, and even everyday household fabrics. And while the patterns often look complicated, there are many "tricks" to how these patterns come together which makes sewing them very satisfying!

In this series of four, 2-hour afternoon lessons, Renee will guide you through creating a design “sampler”. You will learn how to prepare fabric, create patterns on the fabric, choose needles and thread to match your application and proper stitching techniques. Each week Renee will introduce a new pattern, help you get started, and then… you have the week to take your time and practice on your sampler fabric. No previous experience needed!

Dates: Thursdays - January 7, 14, 21 & 28

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Location: Main Street Studio, 786 Charlton Road, Charlton NY 12019

Class Costs:
- Registration: $130 non-members / $117.00 members (use member promo code at checkout!)
- Materials: $25 due at time of workshop
Total Cost: $155 non-members / $142 members

The materials include fabric, marking pencil, thread, needles and thimble. They are yours to keep! 

Members receive a 10% discount — use your discount code at checkout! Not a member yet? Sign up here and receive your discount code!

About Renee Johnson:

Renee is constantly exploring ways to repurpose vintage and antique fabrics. While this has been her main focus for the past decade, she has been sewing and creating items from natural or repurposed materials for the majority of her life. Renee is always on the search for unique and beautiful textiles and notions to be used by crafters and makers alike. She also hand dyes fabrics and sashiko threads using natural materials like indigo and black walnut.

If you are interested in mending, sewing, or other traditional Japanese fabric and textile crafts, you can find her supplies online at reneejohnsonstudio.com or stop by the studio during Open Studio times to see what she is working on!