Boro is the Japanese word for tattered rags. From the 1600’s and even into the early 1900’s the Japanese farmers of the northern region of Honshu used this technique to repair and patch their clothes. Originally made from hemp the farmers were gradually able to get their hands on bits of cotton and finally silk. Every little scrap was precious and washed and saved until it was used to give their clothes longevity. These items of clothing were so used and worn and yet have such strength that you can’t help but admire them.
So gather up your bits of worn and beautiful fabric and let’s create a wall hanging that will speak of carefully preserved memories. A time when fabric was precious and hard to find and every little bit was worth saving.
the fabric suggestions below are for a traditional Japanese look, you may of course use any fabrics you have on hand.
Ruth has a kit that you can purchase here.
Supply List-
·2- 20x26 pieces of indigo fabric
·1-20x26 piece of cotton batting (I have been using black batting but natural is fine)
·Fabric bits for “patches”
·Thread, fibers, pearl cotton, floss, to match patches fabric
·Needles, (chenille sizes 18-24 and embroidery)
·Thimble
·Reading glasses if needed
·Large scissors for cutting patches
·Small scissors for trimming thread
·Pins for securing patches