Editing Sashiko (section)

== History ==
First coming into existence in the [[Edo period]] (1603–1867), {{Transliteration|ja|sashiko}} embroidery was first applied to clothing out of a practical need, and would have been used to strengthen the homespun clothes of olden times. Worn out clothes were pieced together to make new garments by using simple running stitches. These clothes increased their strength with this durable embroidery. By the [[Meiji era|Meiji period]] (1868–1912), {{Transliteration|ja|sashiko}} had been established enough that it had evolved into winter work in northern farming communities, when it was too cold to work outside.<ref>Briscoe, Susan. The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook: Patterns, Projects, and Inspirations. Davi & Charles Brunel House, Wisconsin. 2005. {{ISBN|0715318470}}</ref>

{{Transliteration|ja|Sashiko}} was commonly used to reinforce already-patched clothing around points of wear, but would also be used to attach patches to clothing, making the fabric ultimately stronger. It would also be used to layer thin fabrics to create warmth, and, in the case of some garments such as the coats of firemen {{Transliteration|ja|(hikeshibanten)}}, to create a thick and absorbent material that would be soaked in water before carrying out duties as a fireman. Though most {{Transliteration|ja|sashiko}} utilises only a plain [[running stitch]] technique, {{Transliteration|ja|sashiko}} is commonly used to create decorative and repeated embroidered patterns, and may be used for purely decorative purposes, such as in the creation of [[quilting|quilts]] and embroidery samplers.