Sashiko, the traditional Japanese embroidery technique known for its minimalist beauty and intricate patterns, has captivated modern crafters around the world. Once a practical method for mending and reinforcing fabric, sashiko has grown into an art form that blends functionality with mindfulness and sustainability. Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or just beginning, these six books provide unique perspectives on sashiko’s rich history, meditative benefits, and creative applications.
1. The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook by Susan Briscoe
Susan Briscoe’s The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook is a thorough and inspiring guide to the fundamentals of sashiko. The book serves as both a reference manual and a source of creative ideas, covering the basics of the craft—its origins, tools, and stitches—while offering advanced techniques for those ready to take their skills to the next level.
Briscoe delves into the cultural roots of sashiko, explaining its development as a mending technique in rural Japan. Her step-by-step instructions make complex patterns accessible to beginners, while more experienced stitchers can benefit from her exploration of advanced motifs and methods. The book encourages readers to apply sashiko in both traditional and modern contexts, from Noren Curtains to adding artistic flair onto home décor.
The Ultimate Essential Sashiko is a great go-to resource for anyone looking to explore the history and beauty of this ancient craft, with clear guidance for all levels of experience.
2. Mending with Boro by Harumi Horiuchi
In Mending with Boro, Harumi Horiuchi introduces readers to the Japanese patchwork technique of boro, which often works hand-in-hand with sashiko. The book emphasizes sustainability, encouraging readers to upcycle old garments and create new, functional pieces from scrap fabrics.
Horiuchi frames boro and sashiko as tools for mindful mending, teaching readers to embrace the imperfections in their clothing rather than discarding them. Through easy-to-follow tutorials, she demonstrates how simple stitching and patchwork techniques can breathe new life into worn-out fabrics. I particularly enjoyed reading how she shares her creative practice with us and her morning routine which includes stitching. As she says about hand sewing amid cleaning, laundry and cooking meals "I return to my 'real' self in these pockets of time between chores and I feel so blessed to pour myself into handicraft."
Mending with Boro is perfect for those looking to combine sustainability with creativity, offering projects that blend the practical with the personal.
3. The Stories Clothes Tell by Tatsuichi Horikiri
The Stories Clothes Tell by Tatsuichi Horikiri is a fascinating exploration of the cultural significance of clothing in Japan, with connections to the art of sashiko. While not solely focused on sashiko, Horikiri’s work sheds light on the history of traditional Japanese garments, offering readers a deeper understanding of how textiles serve as symbols of identity and tradition.
The book provides valuable context for sashiko’s role in Japanese society, particularly in how it was used to mend and extend the life of garments during times of scarcity. By exploring the stories embedded in clothing, Horikiri enriches our understanding of why mending techniques like sashiko carry such emotional and cultural weight.
For anyone interested in the broader history of Japanese textiles and how they reflect social values, The Stories Clothes Tell is a compelling read.
4. The Right to Dress edited by Giorgio Riello and Ulinka Rublack
The Right to Dress, edited by Giorgio Riello and Ulinka Rublack, explores the history of sumptuary laws—rules that regulated who could wear what across different cultures and time periods. While the book spans various countries, it offers particularly insightful commentary on Japan’s Edo period, when laws dictated the fabrics and designs allowed for each social class.
During this time, the restrictions on luxury fabrics led to the rise of sashiko as a practical way for peasants to mend and decorate their clothing. By using humble materials like cotton and simple stitching patterns, people created visually beautiful garments within the boundaries of the law.
The Right to Dress provides a rich historical backdrop that helps explain why techniques like sashiko became integral to Japanese clothing culture, showing how people used creativity to work around societal restrictions.
5. Sashiko for Making and Mending by Saki Iiduka
Saki Iiduka’s Sashiko for Making and Mending is a beautifully presented book that emphasizes the dual nature of sashiko as both a craft for repairing garments and a meditative practice. Iiduka’s projects focus on creating lasting, meaningful repairs, encouraging readers to connect with their clothing through the simple act of stitching.
The book opens with an overview of the beautifully photographed projects from practical applications, such as mending a shirt or enhancing an apron, while also offering creative projects like decorative homeware. Iiduka’s emphasis on mindfulness and sustainability makes this book stand out, as it encourages readers to approach mending not just as a task but as a form of self-expression. It is a delightful look into how she has intergrated sashiko as a philosophy into her life as we see glimpes of her life in her studio and village environments.
Sashiko for Making and Mending is ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to craft, one that blends creativity, mindfulness, and sustainability into each stitch.
6. Amazing Sashiko by Ayufish Int.
It was really hard to narrow it into 5 books, and so I added a sixth! For those looking for a modern and playful take on sashiko, Amazing Sashiko by Ayufish Int. offers a bright and colourful perspective on this ancient craft. Ayufish Int. encourages experimentation with vibrant threads and unconventional fabrics, blending traditional motifs with bold, contemporary designs.
The book is perfect for beginners, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and fun projects that include everything from pin cushions, hana fukins (tea clothes) and other simple home décor. Stitchers will appreciate the Ayufish’s creativity, which push the boundaries of traditional sashiko by incorporating fresh ideas and modern aesthetics.
One of the highlights of Amazing Sashiko is its focus on creativity and mindfulness. The rhythmic, repetitive stitching is presented as a meditative practice, allowing readers to relax and find joy in the process of making. Ayufish Int.’s upbeat tone and playful approach make this book a delight to read, offering endless inspiration for anyone wanting to add a contemporary twist to their sashiko practice.
If you're interested in further learning about Sashiko beyond these five books, I've put together a page for Further Reading where you can find other book and resource recommendations! Check it out here, and if you have suggestions for other resources, I'd love for you to send them to zen{at}zenstitching.ca.
