Upcoming session

Dates: September 13, 21, 27 & October 5
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM (New students have an additional practice hour on September 13, starting at 1:00 PM)

Location: 120 Avenue Duluth Est, Montreal

In-depth Sashiko Hanafukin Workshop

This summer, inspired by my trip to Japan, I designed a multi-pattern hanafukin sampler for this 4-day in-depth workshop. Hanafukin means “flower dish cloth.” Traditionally, these cloths served as both practical dish towels and samplers — often sewn by mothers and given to daughters upon marriage as a reference for future mending and decoration.

Over the four sessions, you’ll learn how to draw and sew various traditional Japanese sashiko patterns. The designs will progress from simple to intricate, helping you gradually build your unshin (needle movement) skills while exploring three sashiko stitch styles: moyozashi, hitomezashi, and kugurizashi. You’ll also learn how to stitch neatly on both sides of the fabric without knots.

By the end, you’ll have mastered the sashiko unshin technique, improved your sewing efficiency, deepened your understanding of pattern meanings, strengthened your mindfulness practice, and, most delightfully, taken home your own hanafukin sampler to guide you in future projects.

Skill Level: All levels welcome
Length: 12 hours for returning students, 13 hours for new students
Participants: 4–8
Instructor: Xiaoxiao Yarn
Teaching Language: English
Materials Provided: All materials and tools are provided, including authentic Japanese sarashi cloth.

Note: A minimum of four (4) participants is required. If the minimum is not met 24 hours before the course begins, the workshop will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued.

from $200.00

Xiaoxiao Yarn | Sashiko practitioner and Instructor

Xiaoxiao is a sashiko practitioner and instructor based in Montreal, Canada. Her journey with this 17th-century Japanese hand-sewing and mending technique began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she moved to the countryside. While seeking to reconnect with everyday objects, sashiko, known for its simple charm and efficiency, quickly became essential in her life, integrating needlework with mindfulness practice.

In 2021, Xiaoxiao launched her YouTube channel, 'Xiaoxiao Yarn,' where she now shares her experiences with over 65,000 subscribers. Through sashiko, she has deepened her appreciation for everyday household items, enhanced her relationship with nature, and furthered her personal development.

Since 2023, Xiaoxiao has been teaching sashiko workshops in Montreal, sharing her knowledge and passion within her community, and inviting others to embrace this meditative and sustainable craft.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    We had a great time at the pincushion workshop! Learning sashiko under Xiaoxiao's guidance was wonderful because she is caring, very talented, organized, and patient! She helped us every step of the way. Now that Xiaoxiao has shared the secrets of this traditional technique with us, I am excited to keep practising sashiko on my own. Thank you, Xiaoxiao!

    - Alexia G.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    The best part is to have something that is both pretty to look at and practical. The workshop took place in a very inviting space. Our instructor/host was so welcoming and allowed us to work at our own pace. The other participants were lovely, and the whole experience was really enjoyable.

    - Liliane Y.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    As always, the course was well-paced and easy to follow. What had seemed to me to be a big challenge, became a huge success and point of pride. I had help when I needed and the right amount of time to not feel hurried. My pincushion makes me smile every time I look at it. Thank you so much!

    - Jodi (Yiu-Ming C.)