Sashiko is a traditional form of folk art stitching with white running stitches on indigo blue fabric.

It started more than 500 years ago in the early 16th century and evolved in various areas of Japan (particularly in Tohoku in the north of Japan).

The sashiko stitch was originally used to reinforce cloth which made it thicker and therefore warmer to protect ordinary workers from the cold weather. The many simple, beautiful patterns evolved from the wisdom of their everyday life.