Sashiko is the tradition of sewing running-stitches to strengthen and quilt fabric for durability and warmth. Senninbari is a sash sewn with 1000 knots of red thread that Japanese women made for their husbands, sons, and brothers to wear when they went into battle. Women in WWII camps followed this custom when young Japanese American men enlisted into the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team. 

Participants will learn about sashiko and senninbari, as stitching traditions of Japan, and how to sew them. Each participant will sew small sashiko and knot doodles using traditional materials to make a 4” x 6” composition that will be mounted in a frame and 5 mini-doodles that will be mounted onto blank notecards with envelopes.

No experience is necessary. Reservations required. RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Threads Workshop” in the subject line. The workshop is being offered on Thursday, June 29, Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1. Please state your preferred date in your email.

Workshop fee: $30, includes materials. Additional tools, stencils, and mounting supplies will be provided and shared.  (Participants are requested to bring their own scissors and a notepad). 

This workshop will take place in-person at J-Sei: 1285 66th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608