A Thickly Sashiko Stitched Zokin: Katazome Cotton

early to mid twentieth century
9 3/4" x 13", 25 cm x 33 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This example shows a rustically and intensely sashiko stitched zokin which is hand made from very faded, indigo dyed recycled cotton katazome cloth. It is stitched with thick white thread. 

The zokin is about four layers thick and is of good size and good weight. The age and density of stitching, along with the use of katazome dyed cotton on this zokin make it really appealing.

Really lovely.