Stevenson Overall Co. Introduce the Age Old Method of Sashiko

Posted April 16, 2014

The indigo-dyed ‘sashiko’ scarves from Stevenson Overall Co. introduce us to the aesthetic, skill, and beauty of traditionally handcrafted Japanese products.

The rich colours and fine detailing creates the perfect compliment your raws and Red Wings.

As always, Stevenson Overalls Co. continues to impress. They take traditional workwear and historical garments and give them a twist.

For inspiration this time round they make a departure from the Americana workwear and look to their home shores: Japan.

The scarves make heavy use of the sashiko method.

This traditional Japanese stitching method literally translates as “little stabs.” It is used to reinforce areas of wear and strain with decorative stitch patterns.

Not only are the scarves themselves some of the most original we have ever come across, each piece is unique unto itself.

The scarves consist of various different fabrics stitched back to back using the sashiko method.

On one side you have an indigo dyed plain cotton blend which highlights the white sashiko stitching perfectly. The other side is a highly printed, predominantly red fabric unique to Stevenson.

A number of different decorated fabrics are mixed and matched when creating the scarves. Due to their handcrafted nature, each piece is unique. You won’t get the same scarf twice.

I love to see a brand mixing these influences within a collection in such a fluid way. This is something I would quite happily hang on my wall as much as I would proudly wear it.

The scarves, along with a great selection of Stevenson clothing, are available through Self Edge here.

Accessories, Indigo, Made in Japan, Non-denim garment, Scarves, Self Edge, Stevenson Overall Co.

Matt Wilson

Before turning his attention toward clothing and fashion, Matt Wilson was a product designer. He witnessed first-hand the unethical manufacture of products designed and developed specifically for obsolescence and quickly recognised the inherent dangers of this attitude towards consumerism. A happy chance occurred when he discovered Raw Denim. Fascinated by the narrative contained in each garment, this newfound passion led him into a journey of discovery through the fashion and clothing industry. The qualities he found in a great pair of jeans he soon found in other garments, shoes and accessories. Up until February 2017, Matt was heavily involved with Selvedge Run, a trade show for menswear, shoes and accessories. A home for brands with a philosophy that aligned perfectly with his principles of craft and quality at the core of a good product. He now shares this passion the as the Editor of Rope Dye, an online men’s lifestyle magazine about the passion for well-crafted menswear as well as other cherished products and designs that baulk against today’s throw-away culture.