Sashiko or literally means “little stabs”, is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching (or functional embroidery) from Japan. Originally applied to the corners of furoshiki, a wrapping cloths used to carry things, in lieu of bags or suitcases.

Although made its popularity as Japanese traditional art, many patterns of Sashiko actually derived from ancient Chinese patterns that later were developed by the Japanese artists. Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), have inspired many modern Sashiko artist with his published book “New Forms for Design” in 1824.

One of the talented modern Sashiko artist is Lucy Arai, born in Japan to a Japanese mother and an American father. Lucy’s bicultural legacy paved her way to a non-traditional practice of sashiko.

When she turned sixteen, Lucy went to Tokyo to live with her mother’s brother. During her stay in Japan, Lucy learned sashiko, from her uncle who is a collector of Japanese needlework techniques. His uncle unconventional hobby in needles later became the catalyst for Lucy’s innovations in sashiko.

Source: [1], [2], [3], [4].

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