Learn how sashiko stitching can give your well-loved clothes a new lease on life.

Sashiko stitching, also known as sashiko mending, is a Japanese technique that extends a garment's life. This time-honored tradition uses the running stitch to reinforce and decorate an item of clothing or piece of fabric.

 Like kintsugi, it celebrates the history of a garment by not hiding its imperfections but emphasizing how much the piece has been loved. Sashiko has existed for centuries and remains a popular choice for visible mending on woven fabrics (cotton, linen, etc). And it has another benefit: sustainability. 

Given the clothing industry’s environmental impact, repairing the things we own is another way to honor the Earth. We're exercising circular fashion and keeping something out of landfills. 

 Let’s take a deeper look at the history of sashiko mending, the tools needed, and the basic technique to create.

Do as Tom Daley does

Winston Churchill had painting, Judi Dench is famous for her rude embroidery and Tom Daley has been known to knit at the Olympics. Now researchers say we could all benefit from creative endeavours and that such pursuits have a bigger influence on life satisfaction than having a job. 

 While arts and crafts have long been used to aid mental health, experts said most research has looked at their effect on patients rather than the general population, and tend to look at specific activities.

 However, the researchers have now said such interests could be an important tool for improving public health in general.

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