Reclaimed threads: Sakiori and Sashiko with Atsuko Chirikjian

This workshop begins with an introduction to the history and cultural roots of boro—Japan’s tradition of cloth made precious through use, repair, and reinvention—alongside the aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi, which honors imperfection, resilience, and quiet beauty.

Participants will learn the foundational techniques of sakiori weaving and sashiko stitching, working with simple hand tools and looms constructed from everyday, recycled materials. Through guided exploration, students will experiment with fabric choices, weaving structures, yarn placement, and stitch patterns, discovering how small variations create rich visual and textural results.

As the workshop progresses, students are encouraged to move beyond traditional references, using these techniques as a springboard to develop a contemporary boro-inspired piece that reflects their own sensibility and story. The workshop culminates in a finished boro bag or a unique textile piece, ready to be used, worn, or further transformed—an object shaped by hand, history, and personal expression.