Workshops in Japanese Sashiko Embroidery and Boro Mending at Japanese Design Festival

Japanese sashiko embroidery and boro mending workshop: 14 November – 15 November 2026, Metropol, Copenhagen. Tickets cost 325 kr.

Workshop in Japanese boro mending and sashiko embroidery, with admission to the Japanese Design Festival on November 14 or 15 included.

Sashiko means "small stitches" - each stitch is an expression of care and consideration for the fabric. Boro means "patched" or "layer upon layer" and emerges when fabric scraps are gathered and sewn together with sashiko stitches. Both techniques unite function and poetry, celebrating the imperfect and worn. These methods originate from Japan's Edo period but continue in a modern aesthetic focused on sustainability and slowness.

The workshop is facilitated by Ida Christoffersen, who uses sashiko, boro, and indigo dyeing to upcycle discarded clothing under the brand YUME.ITO, part of the design collective Re:wair Studio - A Circular Collective. Ida has studied one-on-one with several sashiko, boro, and indigo artists during travels in Japan.

You'll receive a brief introduction to the techniques' history and philosophy, learn the basic stitches, and can choose between working with water-soluble stick & stitch stickers designed by YUME.ITO or drawing your own patterns. Along the way, you'll get inspiration for how to mend and transform worn or dull clothing into something personal. YUME.ITO provides all materials, including sample fabric and textile scraps for those who don't bring their own clothes, as well as stick & stitch stickers inspired by nature and Japanese symbols.

The workshop takes place at Shokunin Japanese Design Festival, Kosmopol, Fiolstræde 44, 4th floor, room 4C, right by the café. It lasts 2 hours, but you're welcome to stay, embroider, drink tea, and get feedback on your project. The price is 325 kr. including materials, and the ticket also gives access to the rest of the Shokunin festival (regular price 75 kr.) - just show it to the ticket staff at the festival entrance.

Times: November 14 at 11:30 and 14:30, and November 15 at 11:20 and 14:00.

Everyone can participate regardless of experience (minimum age 8 years). Feel free to bring a worn, torn, or dull piece of clothing.