In traditional Japanese thinking 'wabi-sabi' is the acceptance of imperfection, the idea that "nothing lasts, nothing is perfect and nothing is finished". This inspired the art of Sashiko, using a decorative cross stitch to repair a tear or hole, but instead of trying to hide the imperfection this technique creates a beautiful new design that celebrates the history of the product and the story behind it. 

 Every Little Green Radicals piece has been produced with care, from the hard working farmers who gather the organic and Fairtrade cotton, to the millers who create beautiful, soft fabrics and the skilful producers who print, cut and sew each styleOur clothes are made to last, but if after lots of wear they are in need of a little TLC, some simple repairs can help them last longer so they can be worn and passed on again and again. 

With the help of our friend Julia from Upcycle Fashion we have created a tutorial to help you get started on your DIY repair journey! Ever wondered how to fix a small tear? Come with us through a step by step process and learn the Japanese cross stitch art of Sashiko. It’s a really useful tool to give clothes new life.

#LovedClothesLast

Cross Stitch Sashiko Repairs 

...1. Locate the tear 

...
2. Use embroidery hoop to isolate the area
...
...
3. Cut out a patch of matching or contrasting fabric that covers the damaged area and is larger by at least 2cm 
...

 ...

4. Place the patch behind the tear

... 

... 

5. Pin the patch in place

...

 

...

6. Starting at one edge, use short, even running stitches to attach the patch to the back of tear

...

...

7. Continue with the running stitch, creating evenly spaced lines across the fabric

...

...

8. Continue as normal over the tear

...

...

9. Continue with the lines of running stitch and finish the outer edge the same distance away from the tear as your starting edge.

...

...

10. Now begin your lines of running stitch in the opposite direction, passing over the other stitches to create little crosses.

...

...

11. Continue the lines of running stitch down the repair, crossing over the previous stitches to create a repeating pattern

...

...

12. Remove from hoop 

...

Let us know how you get on and if you use make any Sashiko repairs!

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.