Image credit: Claire Gaffney via Unsplash In Japanese, the word boro (ぼろ) literally means “tattered” or “ragged.” Yet in the world of textiles, boro has become a symbol of endurance, resourcefulness, and beauty born from necessity. What is Boro? Boro refers to cloth that has been patched and re-patched over generations. Traditionally, families in rural… Read More the beauty of boro: japan’s tradition of visible mending
See image credits (below) In an age of fast fashion and disposable goods, slow stitching offers an antidote—a practice rooted in care, patience, and sustainability. At its heart, slow stitching is more than just thread on fabric; it’s about valuing time, honouring materials, and creating something that carries meaning beyond its stitches. What Is Slow… Read More slow stitching: sustainability through needle & thread
Few figures have left a lasting imprint on design and culture as William Morris (1834–1896). A pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris was not only a designer but also a poet, social reformer, and visionary who believed that beauty should be accessible to all. His life’s work championed craftsmanship, natural forms, and… Read More william morris: life, work, & the revival of his designs in today’s interiors
Richter, Agnes. Handmade jacket embroidered with autobiographical text, 1895. Prinzhorn Collection, Heidelberg University Hospital, Inv. No. 743. Discussed in Rosner, Isabella. “I plunge headlong into disaster: Unstitching Agnes Richter’s Jacket.” The Polyphony, 2 September 2021. Sammlung Prinzhorn Internet Archive The Polyphony
Sustainability in textiles promotes ethical sourcing and conscious consumerism. It involves choosing materials based on environmental impact, fair labour practices, and transparency. By collaborating with certified suppliers, supporting artisan communities, and staying informed about certifications like Oeko-Tex, individuals can make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future in the textile industry.… Read More how to source fabrics sustainably from around the world-is it possible?
In every thread, a whisper. In every pattern, a pause. Across cultures and centuries, artists have turned to textiles not just for warmth or beauty, but as vessels of meaning—woven languages that speak through texture, rhythm, and repetition. This post explores the quiet radicalism of those who stitch, knot, and loop their messages into cloth.… Read More artists who weave messages into their work
Jeremy Chase Sanders – Synaesthesia Stitched Modern Weaving Fig 1: Sanders, J. (2025). Patriarchitecture. Featured in Mr X Stitch. According to an article via Mr X Stitch, Jeremy Chase Sanders, is a synaesthetic weaver based in San Francisco who experiences letters and numbers as distinct colours—seeing, for instance, the number ‘2’ as red and the letter… Read More Synaesthesia: the Work of Sanders & Barrow & Parke, an interesting perspective
Fig 1: Albion Gould. “A Brief History of Sashiko in Japan.” Albion Gould, 26 June 2023. https://albiongould.com/a-brief-history-of-sashiko-in-japan/ Sashiko looks intricate, but at its heart it’s one of the simplest and most meditative textile practices you can try. With just needle, thread, and cloth, you can begin stitching patterns that connect you to a centuries-old tradition… Read More beginner’s guide to sashiko: stitching
Natural dyeing with plants and kitchen scraps offers a sustainable method to colour textiles, producing unique earthy hues. Combining dyeing with stencils or block printing enhances creativity and personalisation while embracing sustainable practices. This approach discourages harsh chemicals, making it ideal for customisable textile art and mindful creative expression.… Read More Recipes For Natural Dyeing & Fabric Printing
Innovators in sustainable textiles are turning agricultural waste into wearable solutions. Using wheat straw, once considered an unusable by-product, they’ve developed low-impact fibres through chemical-free, mechanical processing methods. Early clothing prototypes demonstrate the potential for circular fashion — with reduced environmental footprints and thoughtful reuse of natural resources. Emerging projects are pushing this forward, exploring scalability and addressing challenges such as allergen sensitivity and widespread adoption.… Read More from grain to garment: harnessing wheat straw for sustainable fabric
Rachel Bakewell 