Boro Workshop

 

Boro is a traditional Japanese textile mending technique that involves reinforcing and repairing garments using patches of cloth. This method not only extends the life of the clothing but also adds unique decorative elements. Originally born out of necessity, Boro has evolved into an art form cherished for its sustainability and beauty. Dive into the world of Boro and discover the historical significance and intricate craftsmanship behind this time-honored practice. We see examples of Boro Sashiko-style stitched in the traditional Indian Kantha running stitch.

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History/Artisans

Boro is based in the principle of extending the life of fabrics.  It comes from the Japanese working class mending their clothings over many years and using various fabrics and made the clothing warm.  Traditional Boro is beautiful. Boro comes from the Japanese word boroboro for “patched clothes”.  It is the Running stitch used to mend.  

(We also see this same art form in the Indian Kantha traditions - look around Fair Trade for the many examples.)

Sashiko - Japanese word for the decorative stitch — usually the running stitch- that makes the Boro textile 

Saki-ori was historically woven from old kimono cut into strips (weaving the scraps)

Boro intro https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boro_(textile)

Sashiko intro https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashiko

THREADBARE Torn and Tattered; Boro textiles from Japan

selvedge.org

Boro video with traditional fabrics https://youtu.be/Kl4faDYyVdI?si=kaDmtJLmZExJrQXl

Sashiko Boro inspired mini rug https://youtu.be/Vo__TGGFyH4?si=ElJ1jlEsIOsBoe1l

Boro article https://canadianquilter.com/members-only-studio/boro-stitching-the-ancient-japanese-practice-of-mending/#:~:text=Boro%20is%20a%20Japanese%20word,one%20generation%20to%20the%20next.

What is the difference between Boro and Sashiko https://upcyclestitches.com/difference-sashiko-and-boro/

What's the Difference Between Boro and Sashiko?

zenstitching.ca

Kantha vs Boro 

https://davidowenhastings.com/portfolio/hand-stitching/#:~:text=Indian%20Kantha%20stitching%20is%20similar,items%2C%20or%20to%20add%20strength.

Sashiko thread guide with ideas 

https://www.snugglymonkey.com/blogs/news/sashiko-thread-comparison-guide#:~:text=Sashiko%20thread%20is%20a%20versatile,wide%20variety%20of%20other%20projects.

Boro quilting 

Learn the Art of Japanese Boro for Garment Quilting - Threads

threadsmagazine.com

Real Boro antiques for sale.  You can see what traditional pieces look like 

SHIBUI Antiques | Boro Patchwork Textiles

shibui.com

About Boro

japancrafts.co.uk

How to do Sashiko embroidery

gathered.how

Any worksheets, class notes, or links are compiled from many talented Artisans. Their ideas are graciously borrowed for learning purposes only.