Lets see what wiki has to say first - Only the first couple of lines - full article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashiko

Sashiko (刺し子, literally "little stabs" or "little pierce") is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching (or functional embroidery from Japan that started out of practical need during the Edo era from 1615-1868. Traditionally used to reinforce points of wear or to repair worn places or tears with patches, making the piece ultimately stronger and warmer, this running stitch technique is often used for purely decorative purposes in quilting and embroidery. The white cotton thread on the traditional indigo blue cloth which is said to recall snow falling around old farmhouses gives sashiko its distinctive appearance, though decorative items sometimes use red thread.

Many sashiko patterns were derived from Chinese designs, but just as many were developed by the japanese embroiderers.

NEW, WORN & LOVED

All of the clothing that Cloth & Cut love and will manufacture in the future are inspired by the past, with good reason as they produced practical & great designs with hardworking & sustainable materials.

These designs that have influenced the majority of your wardrobe come from heritage military, workwear and outdoors sports’ garments which were made for the particular function & therefore to last, however natural organic materials don’t have diamond like qualities, clothes become softer more comfortable & will eventually wear down :0( this is where Sashiko repairs comes into its own. Fashion, year on year becomes less & less formal in the majority of situations so the perception of looking scruffy because of holes in your jeans (even whole knees missing!) is gone, even more so when you can repair your favourites with the Sashiko stitching, lets just call it customising, creating a one off item of clothing that no-one else can ever own..

Traditional Sashiko patterns & designs with white thread for the stitching has its’ own individuality based on nature.. inspired by trees & flowers of all varieties, the sea, mountains, rock & mineral formations along with man-made geometric patterns formed in construction like roof tiles & bricks.

This, of course has been expanded to include more modern geometric patterns using different coloured threads, patches & are all used to make this work. Sashiko is particularly popular within the denim community right now & is gaining popularity for any items that need some Sashiko love.

One of the best outcomes of Sashiko other than you getting to keep your favourites longer & having a unique item of clothing is that you are reducing your impact on the environment & being sustainable with our resources.

New, worn & loved is not just about you & your clothes..its about our new, worn & loved planet.