Sashiko
/səˈʃiːkoʊ/noun
A traditional Japanese decorative and reinforcing hand-stitching technique, typically using running stitches on fabric.
Did you know?Sashiko began among working communities as a practical way to reinforce worn clothing and improve warmth, later becoming celebrated as an art form.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
刺す (sasu)
“To pierce, stab, or prick”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
刺し (sashi)
“A piercing, inserting, or stitching action; the stem of sasu”
Early Modern Japanese
Japanese
刺し子 (sashiko)
“A textile practice involving repeated stitches used to reinforce cloth”
18th–19th Century
Japanese
刺し子
“Decorative and functional running-stitch embroidery, especially associated with work garments”
20th Century
English
sashiko
“A Japanese stitching technique adopted as a textile and craft term”
Modern English
English
sashiko
“Decorative Japanese-style stitching characterized by evenly spaced running stitches”