The Book of Boro

A collection of boro-inspired projects and techniques that celebrates this traditional Japanese textile and its relevance to the modern sewer and quilter. Learn about the history of boro and how it is being revived for a new audience using contemporary fabrics including denim, linen, and shibori tie dye, as well as sashiko and other embroidery stitches. The word boro comes from the Japanese boroboro, meaning something tattered or repaired. It refers to textiles that have been mended or patched together for utilitarian, not decorative, purposes to make the fabric stronger and warmer, and to mend torn and threadbare areas. The techniques section includes a short stitch directory with traditional stitches (running stitch and applique) and contemporary stitches (herringbone stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch, and whipped running stitch). Other techniques include instructions on improvisational patchwork; applique: raw, turned edge, and reverse; darning techniques; and methods for distressing and aging fabrics to achieve an authentic boro finish.