Upcycling old drawings with boro & sashiko patchwork

What is boro & sashiko?

Boro & sashiko are a combination of traditional Japanese styles of patchworking. Boro (ぼろ) refers to different pieces of textile that have been stitched or re-woven together to create new items of clothing. The term comes from the Japanese word “boroboro”, meaning something tattered or ripped. Sashiko (刺し子), literally meaning “little stabs”, is a type of traditional Japanese embroidery or stitching used as both a functional and decorative way to reinforce clothing.

Although these techniques may be centuries old, they are making a comeback with the current uprise in vintage, second-hand and upcycled fashion. Modern-day boro & sashiko items are comprised of bright, colourful patches and contrasting stitching to create new, fashionable clothing.

Though the term refers to sewing textile together, why not try something like this with old drawings? By using old drawings in a patchwork technique, all the different parts become one new artwork. To add the sashiko, or stitching part of boro & sashiko, and to make your work more cohesive, you can “embroider” your patchwork of drawings using Gelly Roll or other pens.