Patchwork tote bag covered in Sashiko stitching with black striped handles — Front, hung up. Patches of many fabrics, held together by Sashiko.

Piece #003

Boro Sashiko Tote

My first experiment built from zero: the cloth itself was made first, then cut and sewn into a tote bag, with Sashiko stitched over the whole surface.

Completed: 18 August 2025
Base: Hand-made patchwork textile
Technique: Boro patchwork, Sashiko on top
Lining: Red tartan flannel
Time: About 3 months
Made in: Edinburgh, by hand

HOIM label on the inside pocket reading #003, 2025/8/18, hand made in Edinburgh

#003 · 2025/8/18Hand-embroidered HOIM label, stitched on the inside pocket.

Made from the cloth up

The textile

Before any bag, there was the fabric. Scraps of plaid, check and woven cloth were pieced into one patchwork surface.

The stitching

White and gold Sashiko runs across every patch in grids and short rows, so the whole bag reads as one worn, mended cloth.

The inside

A red tartan flannel lining, with a stitched pocket that carries the HOIM label. Handles are dark and striped, sewn with gold thread.

Details

The other side of the tote bag with blue, green and grey patches — Other side

Left half of the bag with red and green tartan patches — Red and green patches

Right half of the bag showing navy and red patches — Navy and red

Frayed and layered patches stitched with Sashiko — Layered and frayed

Blue plaid patch at the edge of the bag — Blue plaid edge

Striped dark handle with gold stitching where it joins the bag — Handle