Sashiko is a form of embroidery (stitched decoration) originating in Japan. You can use it to create beautiful designs and repeat patterns with just a running stitch. At Graystone we offer a range of sashiko workshops for you to choose from.
Introduction to Sashiko Workshop
In this workshop, you will learn the basics of Sashiko, the threads, fabrics and equipment that we use and then look at tips on using the different mark-making tools.
Following on from this, you can choose a design and prepare your fabric for stitching using the kit provided.
We will share tips on how to ensure accurate and beautiful results in Sashiko. Then you can put this into practice by starting your own stitching, to create a coaster and a lavender sachet.
Before completing your pieces, you will have plenty of time to ask questions and receive help and advice on any aspect of the process.
Interactive online
The interactive online workshop ‘Introduction to Sashiko’ is usually run over 2 sessions (1 hour each). This allows you to master the basics of preparing and stitching your delightful lavender sachet or coaster, with time between sessions to practice what you have learnt.
However, we do offer some single session ‘Introduction to Sashiko’ workshops (2 hours) for those who are short on time and find it difficult to commit to more than one date.
Workshop Fees and Kit Options
Introduction to Sashiko run interactively online: £25
plus; basic Sashiko kit: £14 (includes UK postage)
or downloadable templates: £2
Face-to-face
The ‘in person’ Introduction to Sashiko workshop is generally run as a single session (and includes a break for refreshments). Immerse yourself in the process of preparing and sashiko stitching in a friendly inclusive environment. You will make a delightful product that you can take home.
Developing Sashiko Skills
Interactive online
You will learn about a range of different traditional Sashiko patterns and how to use a grid or template to develop them. In addition, we will discuss the threads, fabrics and equipment and look at some different methods for marking designs onto the fabric, along with tips on how to choose the right method for each fabric.
Using the kit supplied, you can then choose your design and prepare your own fabric.
After preparing your fabric, we will discuss tips on how to ensure accurate and beautiful results. Once you are well under way, we will look at the different options for turning your Sashiko fabric into a beautiful zipped pouch or poucn with a magnetic button.
This workshop run is interactively online and runs for 3 hours in total, split over 2 weeks.
For those with busy lives and who still want to be creative we occasionally offer the Developing Sashiko Skills workshop as a single 3 hour session. Don’t worry, if you don’t complete your stitching in the session as you will can continue to receive support if you need it.
Workshop Fees and Kit Options
Developing Sashiko Skills run interactively online: £37.50
plus; basic Sashiko kit: £25 (includes UK postage)
or downloadable templates: £6
Sashiko Decorated Japanese Rice Bag
I am so excited to be offering this workshop. Originally run for Midsomer Quilting as a day workshop, I am continuing to run this as a face-to-face workshop. I am also offering an online version run over 2 sessions. This sashiko workshop is suitable for anyone starting out or for those with experience.
This is a great little bag that can be used as a project bag or for storing all manner of things.
For those new to Sashiko you will learn a bit about Sashiko and the best equipment and threads to use.
You will be able choose from a selection of motifs and decorate the panels of your bag using Sashiko stitching.
I will take you step by step through the process making your beautiful bag. We will start with preparing your fabric and look at alternative techniques for marking your chosen design onto your fabric panel. Then you may Sashiko stitch designs on 1 or more of your fabric panels. I will also give you tips on how to produce beautiful sashiko stitching.
After this, you will be supported through the process of constructing your beautiful, unique bag.
Workshop Fees and Kit Options
Face-to-face Sashiko Decorated Rice Bag workshop (includes tea and coffee through out the day, guidance booklet and design motifs): £40
Interactive online Sashiko Decorated Rice Bag workshop (Includes guidance booklet and design motifs supplied as pdfs for downloading in advance, together with joining instructions): £40
Supply your own fabric, thread and equipment. (A list of requirements will be sent to you.) This is a brilliant way to recycle fabric – I have used old jeans and an old table cloth for part of my bag.
Alternatively, you can purchase from me for £35 (includes UK postage).
N.B. A sewing machine is recommended for stitching the bag together, however it can be stitched together by hand – it will just take a lot longer!
Face-to-face date
This will be held at Leigh-on-Mendip, Somerset and will be for a maximum of 4 people.
Saturday 25th February 2023: 10am – 4pm
Some people will complete the bag within the workshop, but everybody receives full instructions to take home.
Interactive online dates
Four Seasons Table Runner Workshop
Here is an wonderful opportunity to work on a longer-term sew-along project and create a stunning table runner covering the four seasons. Be inspired by the beautiful flowers we see throughout the year and the intricate decorative patterns used in Sashiko. You will be able to sew along and create your own original design in glorious colour.
This series of 12 workshops will run on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. You will receive a selection of pretty flower motifs at the start of each season (every 3 months). These are drawn from the flowers in season during those months, with some based on traditional motifs such as Sakura (cherry blossom) and Kiku (chrysanthemum) and others created by myself. Choose which flowers to use on your table runner – you can even add some of your own. In addition, some Hitomezashi (one stitch Sashiko) patterns will also be suggested for use as the background, creating your own original work of art.
The table runner has a contemporary theme, using a range of shades to reflect the riot of colours and flowers that we see throughout the year. I will also be offering a more traditional blue colourway using indigo and blue thread stitched on to cream fabric. Kits are available for each. Alternatively, you can choose to receive downloadable templates and supply your own threads and fabric – this is a great way to repurpose sheets and tablecloths.
Workshop Fees and Kit Options
Even though the 4 Seasons Table Runner Project has already underway you can still join us. The workshop is run as interactive online sessions.
Payment Options:
Priced at £10 per session this can be paid as a lump sum at the start or paid quarterly – £30 due in advance of sessions 1 and 4.
Brights Starter Kit or Blues Starter Kit: £60 (includes UK postage) Receive one pack to get you started. This pack will contain undyed organic hemp cotton fabric and muslin, a selection of sashiko threads, paper templates for the first 3 months, sashiko needle, carbon paper, tailors chalk pencil or soluble fabric pencil and booklet. Note: you will need to purchase your own additional supplies when the pack runs out. However, you will receive further paper templates before sessions 4, 7
Alternatively, downloadable templates are available in pdf format. These are £24 for 4 sets of seasonal flower and sashiko pattern tempates.
If you would like to split the cost of templates over 4 payments please contact me.