 Start your mindful art practice in just 30 minutes a day with
The Sashiko Stitch Challenge
Make your first Hana Fukin (sashiko stitch project) in just 5 days with everything you need including a beautiful pattern, materials list, and step-by-step guidance
18-22 AUGUST 2025
If you've been thinking about learning Sashiko stitching, this is the best way to get started!​
Watch this short video to learn why:​
Even if you're brand new to Sashiko, or have tried it before and gotten frustrated...
A HANDS-ON, STEP-BY-STEP PROJECT IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN THE BASICS.​
During this challenge, I'll help you learn the three key steps that need to happen before you can move forward and start stitching your way to peace of mind:
1. Choosing and using the right tools and materials for your project
2. Doing the prep work to set yourself up for stitching success
3. Practicing mindfulness for even stitches and elegant results
"Kate's Sashiko Challenge is short, sweet, and easy to complete! Lots of fun engaging on the community and you get to rewatch the recordings and make as many as you want, once you've learned how easy it truly is.
Kate even walks you through alternative materials, so you can use what you have on hand, plus gives you the names of the patterns, tips and tricks, as well as a brief informative history. Loads of fun!"
- Krista S.
Learn which tools will work the best for you, and how to work with what you have on hand:
Working with the right needle, thread, and fabric can be the difference between a tangled mess and sore hands versus a beautiful, pride-worthy piece of art!
It's also why so many beginners get frustrated and give up before they create something they really love. This challenge will help you choose materials that feel good to work with - even if you're working with what you have on hand.
There's no better way to learn than by doing.
We'll release a pre-recorded video each day of the challenge that will walk you through one step of your mini hana fukin. You'll also get a PDF to follow along with and refer back to!
You'll also have the opportunity to join daily online gatherings, live on Zoom, where you can ask questions as they arise and get tips and techniques tailored to you!
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This challenge is the best place to start for anyone wanting to build a strong foundation for Sashiko stitching.
During this 5-Day Challenge, you will...
Get hands-on experience in preparing and stitching your material, with step-by-step guidance from an experienced instructor
Learn about the history of Sashiko, and why it works so well for reinforcing and repair
Connect with a community of like-minded stitchers and create something beautiful together
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By the end the week you will have completed your first sashiko stitched project and have the skills and confidence to start your next project!
I am so pleased and proud to say that I completed the February 2025 Sashiko Stitch challenge! This is the first time I have completed a daily creative challenge from start to finish in real-time. I learned much about myself and my creative process and have been inspired to nurture it daily. Thank you Kate... Your knowledge, resources and teaching style resonated and were the key to my success. There is such a sense of encouragement and support within the community and I look forward to continuing to grow and learn here.
- Kimberly T.
Here's everything you're getting in the challenge
Build your toolbox with these skills
JOIN THE CHALLENGE for $11 USD!
One stitch, two patterns!
One of the delightful things about this sashiko stitch is that it creates a different design on the reverse side of the fabric - like magic!
 Translated as "flower cloth" or "kitchen cloth," a hana fukin is not just practical - it's a work of art. Enhanced with intricate sashiko embroidery, these cloths embody everyday elegance.
Hana fukin serves many purposes. In the kitchen, it's a placemat, a teacup cover, a strainer, and more. Outside the kitchen, it's a furoshiki for gifts or a decorative mat, showcasing its versatility in style.
The finished project will be about 6 x 6 inches (15.5 x 15.5 cm)
"I learned so much from this challenge in just a week... I no longer feel intimidated about starting a project or trying a new pattern despite having very little experience with sewing of any kind. And in addition to the beautiful piece of art I created, I feel so much more grounded, peaceful, and present after incorporating stitching into my life for this week. Thank you, Kate and Amy, for making this such a well-supported and utterly delightful experience!
- Tori W.
Hi! I'm Kate.
IÂ am a strong believer in starting where you are and using what you have, wherever and whatever that may be.
I'm passionate about textiles, environmental issues and living a meaningful life. I believe everyone should get to experience the joy of connecting to others through learning, experimenting, and creating.
Zen Stitching is the ultimate combination of my passions and by embracing the beautiful and practical designs of sashiko I am mending my clothes, reducing waste and the act of sewing encourages mindfulness.
I'm so excited for you to experience the joy that sashiko stitching can bring. And it all starts with your first project!Â
Sign up for the challenge below. I can't wait to show you how to make a hana fukin.
FAQ
How do I know whether this challenge is right for me?
When is this event happening?
What if I’m not able to attend the sessions live?
How much time will I need to dedicate each day?
What materials will I need?
I still have questions!
Are the sessions captioned or transcribed?
 Start your mindful art practice in just 30 minutes a day with
The Sashiko Stitch Challenge
Â
Make your first Hana Fukin (sashiko stitch project) in just 5 days with everything you need including a beautiful pattern, materials list, and step-by-step guidance.
18-22 AUGUSTÂ 2025
