Atsushi, as a Sashiko Artisan with decades of experience, often states that Sashiko is more than Stitching. It is our intention to share what “More” can indicate for the participants for this 5-Days Sashiko Learning Retreat.

In this workshop, we will go through the whole practice of our Sashiko practice starting with intensive learning & applying the new technique and mindset to your ordinary. The first part is Core & Essence where Atsushi introduces the most important element in our Sashiko Stitching – Unshin (Needle Movement). While the participants practice the Unshin after our detailed, hands-on explanation, Atsushi shares the stories about Sashiko to enrich the understanding of the cultural practice.

After you learn the “Core & Essence” of Sashiko, we will spend the 2nd half of the retreat to explore how we can apply the Core & Essence into many Sashiko projects. The Application & Practice includes stitching on your favorite garment, Hitomezashi, Mending, and learning/practicing throughout the process of Sashiko we practice.

The Sashiko introduced in English today is quite simplified & romanticized. Unfortunately, it is focused on “Outcomes” too much based on the Western values. One side particularly talks about “Rules” – and others go to the other extreme of embracing imperfection saying “it is okay to be unskilled”. The sashiko doesn’t exist in this Dualism. Sashiko can bring us experiences similar to Zen – but the principle is opposite. There are more important things than making “accurate” stitches or stitching “fast” – by learning the Sashiko from Sashiko Artisans, it will happen to be accurate & able to stitch faster.

We hope that these 5 days will be not only the opportunity to learn the new skills, but open up to the new idea of how to approach our lives.

* This Workshop requires the purchase of a $165.00 Supply Packet prior to the workshop, that can be purchased here: https://www.atsushi.japanesesashiko.com/misa2025
Please Purchase the packet anytime between January 1 – June 15, 2025