Indigo Dyeing and Sashiko Workshop

Discover traditional Japanese textile techniques through indigo dyeing, shibori and boro sashiko



5.5 hours Location Mitcham Class size 1 to 8 guests   £48

Arrive and Get Ready

Arrive and Get Ready

Settle into the studio and make yourself at home


Explore Fabric Dying and Sashiko

Explore Fabric Dying and Sashiko

Explore different kinds of dyed fabric, mostly using indigo. You'll see examples of different shibori resist methods, which are how you get different dye patterns. See how Sashiko and Boro are used on textiles.


Prepare the Dye

Prepare the Dye

Find out how to make your own dye vat using both natural and synthetic indigo


Get Your Fabric Ready

Get Your Fabric Ready

Start preparing your fabric using shibori resist methods


Start Dyeing!

Start Dyeing

Start dipping your fabric into the dye vats


Reveal Your Work!

Reveal Your Work

Once finished dipping, you'll get to reveal your resist work


Sashiko Time

Sashiko Time

Relax in the afternoon, and start practising to sew traditional sashiko patterns


Discover the beauty of slow stitching, natural dyeing, and visible mending in this creative, hands-on indigo dyeing & sashiko workshop, where you’ll learn how to transform and revive textiles using traditional Japanese techniques. You’ll explore indigo dyeing, shibori resist methods, and decorative hand-stitching inspired by sashiko and boro traditions, creating dyed textile samples and two sashiko stitch samples to take home.
This beginner-friendly workshop is suitable for anyone curious about textile reuse, sustainable fashion, or creative repair - no previous experience required. You’ll be guided through each activity in a relaxed and welcoming environment, so you can learn how to prepare an indigo vat, experiment with stitch-resist dyeing, and practise decorative mending at your own pace.
Morning: Indigo Dyeing & Shibori
In the morning, you’ll explore the history and creative possibilities of indigo dyeing and how it can be used to recycle and upcycle textiles. You’ll learn how to:
  • Prepare an indigo vat
  • Experiment with shibori - a traditional Japanese stitch-resist dyeing technique
  • Create a series of dyed textile samples
You’re also welcome to bring small textile items of your own to dye.
Afternoon: Sashiko & Boro Mending
After lunch, you’ll learn the traditional Japanese stitching techniques of sashiko and boro, exploring how decorative repair can extend the life of clothing and textiles. You’ll create two sashiko stitch samples, including working on the indigo-dyed fabrics prepared earlier in the day.
You’re also encouraged to bring your own garments or textiles to mend, repair, or embellish.
Jill Rutter is a maker, teacher, and social entrepreneur based in South London. With a passion for sustainable textiles, creative reuse, and community learning, Jill brings a supportive and inspiring approach to teaching traditional craft techniques in contemporary ways.
As you work with natural dyes, fabric, thread, and needle, the process may feel calming, absorbing, and rewarding. You’ll be supported throughout, whether you’re completely new to sewing and dyeing or simply curious to try something different.
Workshop information
  • Beginner-friendly - no prior sewing or dyeing experience needed
  • Ages 12+ - under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult
  • Light refreshments provided
  • Includes a 30-minute lunch break - bring your own lunch or visit the on-site café
  • All materials and equipment are provided, except protective clothing and gloves
  • Please wear old clothes suitable for dyeing, as the dye can permanently stain fabrics
  • A small number of gloves will be available to share
  • Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the workshop begins
  • Spaces are limited
Through this creative workshop, you’ll discover how traditional textile techniques can help you slow down, reconnect with materials, and give old fabrics a new life. You’ll leave with your indigo-dyed textile samples and two sashiko stitch samples, as well as practical skills and fresh inspiration for repairing, recycling, and upcycling textiles at home.

Upcoming dates for Indigo Dyeing and Sashiko Workshop

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 5 Nov 2026, 11:58am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 14 Nov 2026 and 14 Nov 2026.

  • Sat 14 Nov 2026, 10am-3:30pm
What you'll get
Samples of indigo-dyed fabric and sashiko-embroidered fabric can be made into a project in the future! You'll also receive written guidance on how to carry on this practice at home.
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly - no experience needed!
What to bring
  • Suitable clothing that you don't mind getting stained, as the dye can permanently stain clothes
  • Rubber gloves (such as Marigolds or other washing-up gloves), if you have them – we have a small number available to share
  • Any small textile items you'd like to dye or mend
  • An empty 1-litre bottle, if you'd like to take some dye home to continue experimenting and practising
  • Your own lunch if you don't wish to purchase food from the on-site café
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or Xmas gift.

Location

Preloved Studio at Canons House - Canons House & Grounds, Madeira Road, Mitcham

Entrances from Cricket Green, Madeira Road, and Commonside West The main entrance to the House is opposite the West Lawn. When you arrive, buzz at the main entrance and tell reception you're here for the sewing workshop and they'll show you the way (///gossip.bowls.pipe)

Indigo Dyeing and Sashiko Workshop location
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Your teacher

Sustainable Merton
Sustainable Merton

female Women-owned

The Preloved Studio is a vibrant community textile hub based at Canons House, London, created by the charity, Sustainable Merton, with a clear mission: to tackle textile waste while inspiring creativity, confidence, and new skills. What began as a simple idea—to help people repair and reimagine their clothes—has grown into a thriving space where sustainability and self-expression go hand in hand.
For the past three years, The Preloved Studio has welcomed people of all skill levels to explore the world of textiles in an accessible, supportive environment. Our passion comes from seeing the transformation—not just of textiles, but of people. There’s something powerful about learning to fix, alter, or completely reinvent a piece of fabric you once overlooked. For many, that “lightbulb moment” happens when they realise they can create something unique with their own hands, while also reducing waste and saving money.
At the heart of The Preloved Studio is a love of teaching. We believe that skills should be shared, not gatekept, and that creativity thrives in community. Our workshops are designed to be hands-on, relaxed, and empowering—whether you’re threading a sewing machine for the first time or experimenting with more advanced techniques. Watching participants grow in confidence, exchange ideas, and leave proud of what they’ve gained is what drives us.
We work with a diverse range of talented facilitators from the local area and beyond—each bringing their own expertise, style, and story. Together, they’ve taught hundreds of participants through sessions like Sewing Machine 101, Creative Upcycling, and Basic Alterations. While repair and upcycling remain at our core, we’re expanding our programme to celebrate a wider range of textile crafts, opening up even more ways for people to engage with sustainable making.
As part of Sustainable Merton, our work is rooted in real environmental impact, but it’s the human stories that make it meaningful. From complete beginners to seasoned makers, everyone who walks through our doors becomes part of a growing movement—one that proves sustainability can be creative, practical, and deeply rewarding.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, meet like-minded people, or simply give your clothes a second life, The Preloved Studio is here to help you get started.

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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production london London London GB london