A guide to sashiko (刺し子, "little stabs"), a simple Japanese stitching technique dating back to the 1600's used to repair, reinforce and decorate clothing and other textiles. 

Let's hear it for visible mending!

Requiring no special equipment other than a sewing needle and thread, Make + Mend introduces the technique of hand-sewing a running stitch to form geometric patterns. Originally arising out of the practical need to mend and reinforce clothing, Sashiko embroidery later evolved to be decorative as well.