The Beauty of Boro: Perfectly Imperfect

If you're into fiber arts, you're likely aware of a resurgence in interest about boro,
traditionally known as a Japanese mending technique. Boro is sometimes called
"slow stitching". Other cultures, i.e. India, use similar stitching methods but have
different names for them. While originally a functional use of hand stitching,
boro can also be seen as an art form.  Today, artists are using the technique to
refurbish and embellish clothing. In addition, boro can be seen in quilts and
other pieces of artwork.

Boro involves the use of simple, long "running" stitches.  It is similar to hand
quilting, but has a more rustic and primitive look.  Geometric pieces are often
employed in boro.

There are many ways to learn the boro/big stitch technique.  I've taken in-person
classes, watched online tutorials, and consulted books on related topics i.e. big
stitching, slow stitching, surface embellishment, etc. I've also put in many hours
of practice!  I still have a lot to learn.  A local shop, Blue Bar Quilts, offers
related classes. Maday Delgado is an especially great teacher at Blue Bar! 

View my photos: perhaps you'll be inspired to experience
the beauty of boro!  Feel free to go down your own road and develop your
own version of boro.  No two people will come up with the same thing.
Vary your stitch sizes, fabrics, and threads.  Check online . . . you'll see
that these stitching techniques have been done for years, and, you'll
find many examples to study.

I knew that my first project would be a tote bag.  The bag pattern is my design.
I call it "Marketplace Tote".  I used a cotton batting as a foundation.
One can use a piece offabric, garment, etc. as a foundation.  Pieces are
overlapped. Knots and thread ends sit atop the surface, not underneath,
as in traditional sewing. 
.
Boro was originally done by using pieces of denim or remnants of other utility
fabrics. Traditional boro projects feature blue fabrics. 

Many types of thread can be used for boro stitching.  Sashiko thread and perle
cotton are two threads commonly used for the technique.  Ito (brand) "Gima"
lace knitting yarn is also fun to try.  It is a flat cotton "yarn". Embroidery
floss works too!  Needles used for stitching are sharp needles with large eyes.
.

Scroll down to see my tote bag in progress, as well as the finished tote.  I incorporated 

some pieces of vintage embroidery into my bag.  I also added an unfinished cross
stitch piece (woman), found at a local thrift shop.  Note, I decided to use a different
fabric for each handle.  While the running stitch was done by hand, I used a
sewing machine to assemble the bag, lining, and handles.  Thin quilt batting
adds some body and serves as a foundation for piecing. 
 

 

I also made and designed the bags shown below.  They're smaller

than the tote shown above.  The bag on the right  is the one I call "Perfectly Imperfect Boro Bag".  It has a "crazy quilt" 
arrangement.  While my pieces all have raw edges, you CAN
choose to turn the edges under.  I like the carefree, rustic
raw edge look!  I have done machine-stitched versions of this 
for years . . . influenced by the 1997 book,  On the Surface 
(author: Wendy Hill).
 
I have also decorated some clothing with boro.  Contact m eif you'd like me
to teach in your location.