In this 3-hour session, you will stitch together with textile artist Selina Ben to explore the beauty of Japanese embroidery technique Sashiko and its application on denim mending. You’ll be working with your hands, grid paper, glue stick, cardboard, safety pins, fabric marker, needle, thread and scissors. The class is beginner friendly, so you don’t need any hand stitching or embroidery experience to join. At the end of the class, you will gain the fundamental skills to mend your beloved pair of jeans to make it last longer and let it become your artistic expression.
sunday 4 june
14 – 17 o’clock
price € 59
materials will be provided and no experience is necessary
workshop will be in English
- an introduction to the history of Sashiko in Japan.
- a presentation of vintage Japanese textile examples and Selina’s Sashiko mending work.
- an explanation on mending materials, tools, and how to best use them to repair damages like holes and weak areas on your jeans, in an artist way.
- a demonstration + stitch along session on drawing, stitching and customizing 4 traditional Hitomezashi Sashiko patterns (see photos hereunder)
- an opportunity to consult repair solutions on items you are working on.
- a detailed PDF instruction with material list and recommended books via email after the class.
- coffee, tea and snacks
You don’t need to prepare any materials or tools for yourself as they will be provided at the class. Please do bring a pair of jeans, preferably with damages like holes and/or weak areas. It’s also fine if you don’t bring jeans, we will provide scrap denim fabrics for you to practice at the class.
If you would like to participate send an email to selina@unwrittenstitch.com.
Selina Ben is a textile artist and mender based in Amsterdam with a professional background in textile product development. She is inspired by historical textiles around the world and works with pre-used fabrics. Selina believes stitching by hand is the best form of meditation. With her practice, she hopes to preserve disappearing techniques, honor unknown makers and their cultural heritage. Selina on instagram
