Course Description

'Helen's workshops are inspirational, we learned so much in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere she creates. It made me more confident to try new ideas at home afterwards'

At a glance, this course:

• Supports people's wellbeing
• Promotes low impact living​
• Uses natural materials

About the workshop

Sashiko (meaning “little stabs”) is a traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique that began in rural Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868). Originally developed by peasants as a practical way to mend and reinforce worn clothing, Sashiko combines function and beauty. With simple running stitches and repeating geometric patterns, it helped extend the life of garments while allowing personal expression.

Today, Sashiko is celebrated as a mindful, sustainable practice rooted in the Japanese philosophies of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection) and mottainai (a reminder not to be wasteful).

In this hands-on workshop, students will learn basic and intermediate Sashiko techniques using old denim and upcycled fabrics. Starting by practising traditional patterns on denim scraps and then applying these skills to create a functional upcycled washcloth from an old tea towel. Students are encouraged to bring existing textiles from home to embellish or repair with Sashiko stitching. This relaxed and reflective day will provide an introduction to the values of slow stitching as well as confidence to continue practising at home.

The course will give you:

• Understanding of the historical and cultural context of Sashiko and its evolution from necessity to artistry, exploring the roots of Sashiko as a practical and aesthetic stitching method used by rural working communities in Japan
• Basic and intermediate Sashiko techniques to develop mindful stitching skills through practical hands‑on experience, promoting sustainability by using upcycled fabrics and found materials
• Your own functional upcycled washcloth using traditional tools/or use your Sashiko stitching on your own textile
• Appreciation of the meditative and sustainable values of slow stitching and the skills to continue practising at home

This course is suitable for:

Adult beginners, although some stitching experience can be beneficial. This workshop will take place indoors.

What to bring:

• A small stitch kit including embroidery scissors if you have them but please do not purchase anything specially as all materials will be provided
• Threads you enjoy using – such as perlé cotton, crochet thread, or embroidery floss (these are optional, but they can add personal colour and texture to your work)
• An old textile to cut up or embellish
• An old tea towel - great if you want to make it into wash cloth
• An old pair of jeans or denim scraps
• Sashiko works beautifully on worn fabrics, so anything with a bit of life already in it is perfect
• A packed lunch or purchase food from our Beech Café

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

Read the full Adult Courses Cancellations and Refunds Policy and Courses Bursary Fund Information.

About the tutor

Helen is an artist, tutor, and practice‑based researcher with over 30 years’ experience in drawing, hand‑stitching, and global textile traditions, especially those of South Asia. She works with Indian embroidery, shisha, sashiko, visible mending, indigo shibori and more, blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches and sustainable, resourceful making. She teaches translated forms of traditional stitches, shaped by how she has learned, adapted, and carried them across cultures. Her workshops are hands‑on, welcoming, and designed for all levels.

Awarded scholarships by the Embroiderers’ Guild, Helen featured in their Graduate Showcase at the Knitting & Stitching Shows for two consecutive years. Through talks, exhibitions, and storytelling rooted in global textile journeys, she shares how textiles have shaped her life. You can find more of her work on Instagram at @mycathasniceboots.
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Helen is currently studying for a PhD exploring making and embodied learning, focusing on how textile traditions shift when they move between cultures and contexts. She also co‑hosts artisan‑focused textile tours to India and Central Asia with Aahilya Holidays. More information is available at www.aahilyaholidays.com.