The Book of Boro

Boro is the ultimate slow stitching technique. The word boro comes from the Japanese ‘boroboro’ meaning something tattered or repaired. It refers to textiles that have been mended or patched together for utilitarian, not decorative, purposes to make the fabric stronger, warmer and to mend torn and threadbare areas.

This collection explores how boro is being revived for a new audience using contemporary fabrics including denim, linen and shibori tie-dye as well as sashiko and embroidery threads.

The techniques section includes a short stitch directory with traditional stitches (running stitch and appliqué) and contemporary stitches (herringbone stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch and whipped running stitch). Other techniques include improvisational patchwork; appliqué: raw, turned edge and reverse; darning techniques and methods for distressing and ageing your finished boro