Boro (more accurately ‘Boro boro’), meaning ‘rags or tatters’ is the art of repairing fabric using scraps and stitching. A source of shame in Japan for many years, the fabrics are now highly prized and can fetch significant sums. Boro work follows the British wartime tradition of ‘make do and mend’ but was used out of necessity in Japan to prolong the life of clothes and bedding due to extreme poverty and the scarcity of textiles.

In this class you will learn:

• The history and origins of Boro. Examples of vintage Boro collected in Japan by the tutor will be shown
• How to use sashiko stitching to enhance your work
• Practice using visible repair to enhance and strengthen textiles
• Applique and reverse applique techniques will be shown

Students need to have the following in order to participate in the class:

• An item of clothing to repair (denim or heavy cotton/linen are best). Wool and silk pieces are not suitable for this class.
• Patches of printed/plain fabric to repair holes with. Bold prints and patterned pieces work well as a source of inspiration, although plain colours can work well as a backdrop to Sashiko stitched patterns
• Sashiko needle (an embroidery needle will do)
• Sashiko thread in various colours (embroidery thread will do)
• Small sharp scissors
• Strong cotton thread for tacking (can use doubled ordinary cotton)
• A soluble marker is useful but not essential
• An iron and ironing board

Suitable for complete beginners.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an online workshop via Zoom meetings.

You will be emailed a link before the event.

Requires a computer or laptop with a webcam and audio.

A kit is available to purchase at https://www.romordesigns.com/shop?category=Kits%20for%20Workshops