Imagine yourself stepping into a room filled with the calm energy of quiet concentration. The soft sound of thread being pulled through fabric fills the air, and you’re immediately drawn into the gentle, meditative world of Sashiko—a traditional Japanese stitching technique that’s been practiced for centuries. This is no ordinary workshop; it’s a journey that connects you to the heart of Japan’s textile history, a chance to learn from Atsushi Futatsuya, a third-generation Sashiko master who carries with him the wisdom, stories, and skills of generations of artisans.
3-Day Workshop Currently Scheduled
3-Day Workshop: [Core & Essence] to [Application & Practice] at Aya Fiber Studio in FL.
Fri, Mar 7, 2025, 9:00 AM EST – Sun, Mar 9, 2025, 4:00 PM EDT
Day 1: Finding the Rhythm of Tradition—Mastering Sashiko’s Core Techniques
Your first day in this 3-day workshop is about immersion—not just into technique, but into the very essence of Sashiko. As you sit down with needle and thread, Atsushi quietly introduces you to Unshin, the rhythmic needle movement that forms the foundation of Sashiko. With calm and patient guidance, he shows you how to hold the needle, how to sit, and most importantly, how to find the rhythm that makes each stitch flow with ease. The steady, repetitive movement of the needle creates a pulse—almost like a heartbeat—that connects you to the tradition of artisans who have been practicing this craft for centuries.
But this isn’t just about learning how to stitch. Atsushi teaches you to be mindful in your movements, to find calm in the process. Sashiko, you learn, is not just an art of the hands, but of the spirit. As your hands fall into rhythm with the needle, you realize that the act of stitching becomes a form of meditation—a practice in patience, care, and mindfulness. Each stitch becomes deliberate, each movement connected to something larger than just fabric and thread.
As the day progresses, you find yourself mastering the basics: how to use the thimble properly, how to keep your stitches even, how to move the needle in a fluid motion that feels natural. These skills are more than just technique—they are the foundation of a practice that will unfold over the next two days and continue long after the workshop ends.
Day 2: Weaving Stories into Fabric—Sashiko in Practice
Day two brings with it a new energy—a sense of excitement as the skills you learned on the first day start to take shape in personal projects. Atsushi invites you to bring in your own garments, encouraging you to think about the stories your clothes carry. Perhaps it’s an old jacket you’ve had for years, a pair of jeans worn in all the right places. Today, you’ll learn how to use Sashiko to give these garments new life, practicing the art of visible mending.
As you begin stitching into your clothing, Atsushi shares the origins of Sashiko. He explains how, centuries ago, Japanese farmers and fishermen used Sashiko to repair and reinforce their clothing, patching holes and worn areas in a way that was both functional and beautiful. In rural Japan, nothing was wasted—every scrap of fabric was precious, and Sashiko allowed garments to be used for many years. What was once a practical necessity has evolved into an art form that embraces imperfection and celebrates the beauty of repair.
You also explore the art of Boro, a Japanese patchwork technique that takes this idea of repair to a new level. Boro stitches together pieces of fabric, creating layers of texture and history in each piece. As your needle moves through the layers of fabric, you begin to see the beauty in what is worn, frayed, and patched. Each stitch is a celebration of renewal, of giving something old a new purpose.
By the end of the day, you hold in your hands not just a mended garment, but something transformed. It’s more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a work of art, stitched with intention and care, carrying a story that is uniquely yours.
Day 3: Embarking on the Journey of Hitomezashi—Exploring Advanced Sashiko Techniques
As the final day dawns, the workshop takes on a deeper, more complex tone. You’ve built a foundation, practiced on your own garments, and now it’s time to explore Hitomezashi—an intricate variation of Sashiko that takes your stitching to new heights. Atsushi introduces you to the geometric beauty of Hitomezashi, where stitches form striking patterns that are both bold and elegant.
With meticulous attention to detail, Atsushi shows you how to design and execute these complex patterns. As your needle dances through the fabric, creating precise lines and shapes, you realize that Hitomezashi is not just about technical skill—it’s about balance and harmony. Each stitch is a small piece of a larger design, and as the pattern emerges, you begin to see how individual stitches, when placed together, create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Atsushi explains how Hitomezashi patterns reflect the natural world, drawing on the geometry of waves, mountains, and other elements of nature. In Japanese culture, there is a deep respect for the balance between humans and nature, and this philosophy is woven into the very fabric of Hitomezashi. As you work, you feel connected to this balance, your stitches creating a visual harmony that mirrors the rhythms of the world around you.
By the end of the day, you’ve not only mastered this advanced technique, but you’ve also deepened your understanding of Sashiko as an art form. Hitomezashi has opened your eyes to the vast creative possibilities within Sashiko, and you leave the workshop with the tools and confidence to continue exploring this beautiful craft on your own.
The Soul of Sashiko—Atsushi’s Stories of History and Tradition
Throughout the three days, Atsushi weaves stories of his own family’s history with Sashiko. His calm, thoughtful teaching style is rich with the cultural context that makes Sashiko so much more than just stitching. He tells you about his grandmother, who taught him the art of Sashiko as a child, passing down techniques that had been in their family for generations. Through these stories, you begin to see how Sashiko is not just a craft, but a way of life—a philosophy of mindfulness, sustainability, and care.
Atsushi’s stories reveal how Sashiko was born out of necessity in rural Japan, where farmers and workers used these stitches to repair their clothing and household textiles. Over time, Sashiko has evolved into a cherished art form, celebrated for its simplicity, its beauty, and its connection to Japanese values of harmony and respect for nature. As Atsushi speaks, you realize that every stitch you make carries with it the weight of history and tradition, linking you to generations of artisans who came before.
Guided by a Master—Personalized Instruction from Atsushi
Learning Sashiko from Atsushi is an experience unlike any other. His deep connection to this craft, passed down through generations, shines through in every demonstration, every correction, every word of encouragement. Atsushi’s teaching is patient and thoughtful, ensuring that each participant, whether beginner or experienced, receives the guidance they need to grow.
Throughout the workshop, Atsushi provides personal feedback, helping you refine your technique and pushing you to deepen your understanding of the art. He teaches not just the how, but the why—why certain movements matter, why the rhythm is important, and why Sashiko is a craft of patience and care. By the end of the workshop, you’ll find that your stitches are smoother, your technique more refined, and your confidence in your abilities greatly expanded.
Tools for Your Journey—A Complete Sashiko Toolset
One of the highlights of the workshop is the carefully curated Sashiko toolset that you’ll receive. Atsushi has handpicked authentic Japanese materials—high-quality Sashiko threads, traditional fabrics, and specialized tools—so that you can continue your practice long after the workshop ends. These aren’t just materials; they are a connection to the tradition and culture of Sashiko, allowing you to carry forward what you’ve learned and apply it to your own creative projects.
Atsushi will guide you through how to use each tool properly, ensuring that when you leave the workshop, you’ll have the confidence to create your own Sashiko pieces at home. This toolset is not just for the workshop; it’s a starting point for your continued journey into Sashiko, giving you the materials and knowledge to explore this beautiful craft on your own.
A Space for Creativity and Growth—The Workshop Experience
The workshop itself is more than just a place to learn—it’s a space for creativity, connection, and growth. As you stitch alongside others who share your curiosity and passion, you’ll find that the workshop becomes a community, where ideas are shared, questions are asked, and creativity flourishes. The supportive environment fosters a sense of camaraderie, where everyone is encouraged to explore, experiment, and create.
Atsushi’s hands-on approach ensures that no one is left behind. Whether you’re trying a new technique, refining your stitches, or designing your own pattern, Atsushi is there to guide you, offering feedback and encouragement at every step. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have not only developed new skills but also built connections with fellow participants and found inspiration for future projects.
This 3-Day Workshop with Japanese Sashiko Artisan Atsushi Futatsuya is more than a class—it’s an invitation into the world of Sashiko, a world where tradition meets creativity, and mindfulness meets art. You’ll leave with more than just new skills; you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Sashiko as a living tradition, a mindful practice, and a form of artistic expression. Whether you’re drawn to the technical challenge, the meditative aspects, or the cultural richness of Sashiko, this workshop offers a rare and transformative experience that will
