Borrowing from Boro: A Needlebook

This beautifully crafted needlebook is designed for anyone looking to explore sashiko stitching inspired by the boro tradition. Its exterior features randomly arranged scrap‑fabric blocks. Hand‑stitched sashiko lines secure the pieces to a deep indigo base, blending heritage techniques with modern handmade charm.

Materials

• Cover fabric, linen or heavyweight cotton: indigo blue, 2 pieces 10" × 5" (25.4 × 12.7 cm)
• Fabric scraps, cotton or silk: contrasting with indigo-blue fabric, 5 pieces 2" × 2" (5.1 × 5.1 cm)
• Fabric scraps, cotton or silk: coordinating witscrap fabrics above, 5 pieces 1½" × 2" (3.8 × 5.1 cm)
• Fabric scraps, cotton: coordinating with indigo-blue fabric, 2 pieces 5" × 2½" (12.7 × 6.4 cm) for pockets
• Wool felt: cream or white, 1 piece 3½" × 8" (8.9 × 20.3 cm)
• Sewing snap, size 2–3, 1 pair
• DMC Pearl Cotton size 12, 131 yd (120 m)/ball: Blanc, 1 ball
• Sewing thread: 1 spool to match indigo-blue fabric
• Needle: sashiko size 0.99 mm or crewel size 6 to 8
• Ring: 1" diameter (2.5 cm), metal, plastic, or bone
• Scissors: fabric and embroidery
• Spray starch
• Chalk, pen, or pencil fabric marker
• Embroidery and sewing supplies: thimble, pins, point turner, ruler, beeswax, needle puller

Finished size: Open, 4¼" × 9³⁄₈" (10.8 × 23.8 cm); closed 4¼" × 4½" (10.8 × 11.4 cm).