The Book of Boro by Susan Briscoe

The Book of Boro: Techniques and Patterns Inspired by Japanese Textiles is a boro source book by Japanese textile authority Susan Briscoe.

Boro textiles are the result of recycling and repairing garments and bedding through reinforced stitching, whose origins can be traced back to medieval Japan. Now popular as an inspiration for modern stitchers, you can discover Boro history and techniques with this book.

A history section introduces Boro, and includes many examples from Susan’s personal Boro collection, which has been gathering for almost 30 years and has provided the inspiration for the projects in this book. Fabrics and techniques are illustrated and explained, with detailed photos and diagrams covering antique Boro and modern Boro inspired techniques.

Ten project chapters have large and small items to try out different Boro inspired looks, with plenty of scope to use up your scraps and relax as you stitch your own Boro treasures. Projects range from a hanten jacket (and its miniature counterpart) to several useful bags including a gadget slipcase, a gorgeous throw, several cushions, table linen and more. Each project takes an item from my collection as its starting point, developing various features and details. Of course, this is just the beginning – you can use Boro techniques on all kinds of things.