Boro + How I Made My Patchwork Coat

I am so pleased so many people love the boro-inspired patchwork coat I made. I find handstitching projects very relaxing, so I occasionally make/upcycle things for myself. Usually I do things on a rather leisurely timeline but so many of you wanted to learn how I did it so I made a point to finish this up quickly so I could make this video! In this video, I go over what boro and sashiko stitching are, why my coat is not exactly boro, and then I go over step by step instructions on how to make this coat!
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Where I buy kimono and haori online: www.ichiroya.com
Amuse Museum in Tokyo: www.amusemuseum...
My Indigo Pinterest board: / indigo
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[@zoehongteaches]

Do you like the sound of my new voice over mic? Give this video a thumbs up if you do!

[@MrKisa2510]

sounds like if you were sick... are u?

[@mynameisnotgirl8184]

No, way too animated

[@sobreira-martyndesign3317]

Love it! It sounds confident and knowledgeable!

[@respecthewoman]

You're voice is fine, Thank Allah you have a voice. Your designs are beautiful and you just gave me an idea to fix a boring jean coat, my first actually. So thanks.

[@roycescott5521]

A YEAR LATER. . . . YOUR PIECE IS TIMELESS PIMPIN. . . CUTE VOICE

[@galewhiteman2047]

I love your style of speech...I feel like I’m listening to a standup comedian, at times. I’m working on a quilted coat and plan to use your instructions on Sashiko to enhance the coat. The quilt was given to me at 5 yrs old, but I wasn’t to use it until I was married (20). I’m now 64 and want to show my grandmother’s hand stitch work to the people I meet...to tell her story.

[@candiedginger8729]

My first ever sewing project (age 16) was a quilt of denim from pants we had outgrown. The inside was a couple of old blankets and the back an old sheet. I have patched every wear and tear just as this technique you share. Rather than actually quilting it I used french knots in red crochet thread to bind the layers together. The stitching technique you shared I learned to do for quilting, I think its referred to as "rocking the needle." I think your coat is fabulous and inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@coolirpa]

This is so freaking cool!!! Love how educational it was. Thanks Zoe ❤️❤️

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@charmainesheek3309]

Aprillllll

[@ansari2245]

Hi! I don't know about Japanese technic , but in many states of India it is very common... our great grand mothers use to do this and they use to create unique works... Right at child birth, making mattress and shawls for the new born, then few pillow covers and sofa covers, some decoratives, coats, jackets, punjabi suits, frocks and lot more... They use to do the project from old stuff and some time they buy brand new fabrics and cut them into patches.... Sometimes people can't effort so they buy the cloth for kilograms from scrap of textile factories and then they make it... However they were the real artists.. And I inherited from my mom, grand mom and great grand mothers... Love them all

[@susieyang6122]

The holes in the denim patches are an exquisite touch. And so many snacks can be stored in them pockets.

[@zoehongteaches]

So. Many. Snacks. Snack holes! They are so big they can hold a regular size bag of potato chips. I miss your face! I'm going to be in LA in mid-July, hint hint.

[@susieyang6122]

I would eat the entire bag of chips. Miss you too, can’t wait to see you/eat Korean food.

[@juliaarthur1609]

So cool! Thank you for this lovely exploration and explanation of Boro. I come to this curious, with a background in regular quilting, recently inspired by the hand stitching of Kawandi and now discovering a while world of handstitched patch traditions!

[@rhondaziman562]

Mind blown. Love this. Stylish, eco, sustainable, and meditative. What's not to love?!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@1priaulx]

Zoe, I love the Boro style Coat you made. Thank you for the great "how to" video. I am going to attempt creating a slightly shorter version... more a Jacket. I have a just purchased some fabric from "Indigo Niche", an Australian online shop that specialises in Japanese fabrics and clothing. Your video has re-inspired me and your tips will be soooo helpful too. I am now 70 years young and have been sewing since I was around 14 years old. Unfortunately I have only recently discovered Boroboro and am fascinated with the history and cultural sentiment. Thank you, beautiful lady.

[@1955dmb]

Thanks for the inspiration. The fabulous thing about Boro is that it is art in progress. It never gets done and that's the beauty of it. I found this video because I'm hunting for a pattern for a quilt jacket but can't find exactly what I'm looking for. I want to make something similar to Lady Lancaster's Aunt Ethel style jacket which is similar to a short kimono style. I am not planning on using a quilt like she does because I don't have any that would be to the point of cutting into so I was going to make the sections in a lose quilt style. I am going to raw edge random pieces together like you have done over thin batting and a backing fabric, find a pattern and make it into a jacket (step one lol) and then boro style hand stitch at my leisure. That way I can use it and add stitches when I feel like it. So maybe I will buy a cheap kimono to use as a pattern for the pieces. I can do everything else, but designing the pattern is not my wheelhouse. Love your relaxed style. Your jacket is stunning!

[@TariHuffaker]

Love love love this video. I love your style. You are so relaxed and talk like you are talking to friends.

[@lilolmecj]

This is just great! It is 100% not my aesthetic, it is very cool though, and something I could see one of my daughters really loving. I really appreciate how you went through the history, and the prices!

[@zoehongteaches]

thanks!

[@karolinagrunberg4772]

What is your style?

[@emihayashi7725]

​. House and yardwork grunge 😂

[@ladyjunon6305]

I love this coat! You could make a little business of custom Boro coats.

[@zoehongteaches]

OMG I would sell them but they would be so expensive because they take a lot of man hours of handwork.

[@Bacawind]

This was an awesome video- tutorial! Thank you SO much! Your sound was great, no him-hawing, straight to the point and lots of information. I never learned to sew more than some not-so-straight lines, but this I can do! I'm so excited. You're a great teacher!

[@seoulstar74]

Ichiroya is a wonderful site! The owners are so sweet and speak English - I've been a customer for years and can't recommend them enough!! Thank you for an amazing tutorial!

[@zoehongteaches]

Yes! They're great!

[@Escher05]

I’ve been wanting to make a boro happi or naragi. This is the only video I’ve e found that actually explains how to do a coat and not have to actually go through decades of wear and patching. Helpful beyond words! Thank you!

[@dianareddell1496]

I never get tired of reviewing this video. Thank you so much for the info and inspiration. ❤️

[@DONGMINKo]

That's what I saw in my dream. I fell asleep under two computers. I opened the door with the first computer, and there was another computer when I entered it. This is what I was wearing when I woke up. This dress seems to have been blanketed with a checkered sweater.

[@hummerklein2567]

You are adorable My husband just passed away Aug10will be 2years I have all his silk shirts linen suits some never worn many jeans. Oodles of tshirts But I must say I cannot cut a one and only where his sweet pants. But honey so definitely need to patch Don’t go out much at all. . Hay thanks for sharing this with me your so good at teaching Keep it up and God bless you always

[@Luckyladyll]

There are lots of inspirational ideas contained in this. It is not my aesthetic, but there are lots of pieces here and there to incorporate with other ideas. Very cool.

[@WanieB]

I like the way the stitches look on the inside where they go through all the layers, makes it interesting. great job, thanks for posting this video.

[@zoehongteaches]

Me too! I might wear this inside out sometimes!

[@kennethstensrud669]

I have bought from Ichiroya too, and I must say that i'm very satisfied of what they offer, and the speed of expedience of the orders. Can recommend them highly.

[@marlenemarconi6832]

Awesome! Looking forward to your videos! Have a love for oriental designs!

[@kathleenmatthews1737]

What a great video tutorial. I so appreciate all the effort you put into creating this. Thank you. I'm a huge fan of boro boro.

[@cherryjc7822]

I relate to the up cycling box

[@zoehongteaches]

I get so happy when the upcycling box gets emptier and emptier!

[@hildadelatorre.]

Loved it, I've been collecting old jeans, maybe I will start with a tote! Thank you for sharing!

[@zoehongteaches]

Oooh all old denim patches tote sounds awesome!

[@allcapsoff]

wow i love the history you shared about this!!

[@oka223]

Спасибо большое вам за помощь ! В вашем ролике я увидела очень много нового и интересного для себя ! 👍💝🌼 Я всегда говорю что творческие люди думают на одном языке ! 😍🙏

[@knittingsandthings6349]

I’m getting in to Shashiko!!! I’m loving how creative I can be with it and make it in to my own style. Boro is very interesting! First time I’m hearing about it and now I have to research!

[@maried3717]

This gives me inspiration to save some old denium work dresses I haveto give them new life!

[@sailorsoul1995]

Didn't know about Boros, they remind me of artist Robert Rauschenberg! Also love the you provided historical/cultural information about boros. I'm new to the fashion designing world but I'm definetely inspired. Thanks 😊😊

[@zoehongteaches]

I like that comparison a lot! Great artist.

[@jadeburnett-mcdonald6559]

I have a huge bag of scrap I’ve been keeping and now I know what to do with them!!! Thanks so much I learned loads!

[@zoehongteaches]

Yay! Have fun!

[@carolsloanes4938]

Zoe your videos are a journey into the unknown, always a huge learning curve thank you.

[@kylieinnocente242]

Amazing -you continue to delight. Thank-you.

[@norbkorosi2603]

I'm so glad I came across this video! I discovered boro and sashiko last summer and I immediately started making tote bags and zipper pouches. Even opened an etsy store :). I remember looking for videos about boro textiles on youtube but there really wasn't much to see, until now so thank you for this!

[@zoehongteaches]

Good luck with your store!

[@HiThereImFootloose]

This is great - lots of great ideas and passing down textile art.

[@judydyer]

7.2K thumbs UP and ZERO thumbs down...gotta say....1st time I've seen zero. Very very nice, thank you. And, for all the links. And, for your lovely voice, so easy to listen to.

[@SRfive2O]

The edits are beautiful and I adore indigo....

[@berghittetragelion4518]

Truly cool and so beautiful

[@MatthewLowes]

Beautiful! Years ago I made some quilts out of deconstructed kimono. The fabrics are so great. I love what you've done with this coat!

[@zoehongteaches]

Awesome! The original boro came from amazing quilts. Yes, I'm so obsessed with the fabrics too.

[@danadouin1042]

Love this video , thank you. Just starting an upscale clothing company

[@tinatrottier4189]

cannot wait to try, have a group of young girls that I am teaching, I think think would be a great camp project for the woods this summer. Thank you for sharing all of your gifts with the rest of us!

[@zoehongteaches]

I didn't think about it before but it does look like a great project for young kids! Have fun!

[@tinatrottier4189]

@@zoehongteaches Incorporating some history with it will be fun, thanks. I hope they have fun.

[@sobreira-martyndesign3317]

You’re so inspirational. I love the way you are confident in your talk and explanation. I literally went into my craft room and started stitching/ patching a pair of old jeans to give it more sparkle. Thank you for opening the BoroBoro technique. I’m in love.

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you! I'm so glad you're patching your jeans!

[@Indigo6g]

Love you video. Just recently heard of Boro, and now seeing your video I want to try making a jacket. Thanks😊

[@zoehongteaches]

Have fun making your jacket!

[@tommiespriggs9606]

Hi Zoe! Loved your video & the brief history, but it seemed very complicated to me. Wish there was a simplistic way for my mind to conceive the process. Your great cuz at the end you said to start small. & build 😊.

[@franceeschloesser1862]

i've just looked at about 5 secs of this .....You are Incredible! Beauty Abounds!

[@lindabonomi7274]

Stunning!!!! So glad I stumbled across this video...you are so inspiring!

[@zoehongteaches]

thank you!

[@finn7599]

this was so nice to watch!

[@DaniRiekwel]

I've been developing a technique to recycle the stuff opshops throw away, that is based on boro and mending culture. I'm currently making my first jacket that features this fabric. This year I have made the goal to make every item in my wardrobe unique through mending and mashing, while developing patterns and tech packs to make the styles replicable and explain where and how to harvest the recycled clothes.

[@DaniRiekwel]

Thank you so much for your channel I've learned so much practical info to get started on the journey from hobby to business

[@Seidenhase]

Found your Channel today and know I´´m crazy in love ....

[@spawnofsailor7158]

Lovely! Such a beautiful use for scrap fabric 💕

[@mrfunky1768]

I have to admit l was pretty smug w/first discovering your channel l am a fashion illustrator/designer Adjunct and l was side eyeing your illustration style (you know catty fashion ppl.) But !! l have grown to really like your work to the point lm light weight obsessed w/all things Hong!

[@abundantlyinspired]

I totally love your finished coat😍🥰❤️ I have many pieces in my wardrobe that are worn, ripped, patched or made from other patches of fabric and had no idea this was an actual thing. Thanks for sharing the Amuse Museum items as well as your process!!!! I loved this❤️👏🏻

[@zoehongteaches]

thank you and you're welcome!

[@LouiseFisher-p8y]

Thanks for sharing this Zoe !

[@LouiseFisher-p8y]

Hope your well and happy ! xxx

[@harty5485]

I love the pops of yellow!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks! I love this saffron linen so much. I also want a pencil skirt in it.

[@judydonovan4860]

incredibly inspiring! I just started working on a small boro garment and learned a lot from your video. Thanks!

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@viniciusteixeira7559]

I'm watching this playlist for a couple da now and I'm so inspired by your work!! Thinking in use a old bathrobe that I have and completely patch it up with left over fabrics and denim parts that a collect

[@zoehongteaches]

Do it!

[@edvillagran2824]

Just beautiful

[@ClaireRousseau]

The coat looks amazing and I love all the info you gave about the traditional techniques!! "Little stabs" is SUCH a mood, too ^_^

[@zoehongteaches]

hahahhahahahah MOOD

[@annamunoz-pardon5783]

Love the info learned so much about the beautiful Japanese garments I see … thank you

[@pel323]

Hi Zoe! I'm Korean and my mom taught me to hand-sew using the "Japanese" way: folding the fabric through the needle a couple stitches at a time and pulling the thread through.

[@zoehongteaches]

It's not a Japanese way, it's just the method Japanese people use. No one knows where it came from, but Korea and Japan have been influencing each other's crafts for centuries.

[@pel323]

@@zoehongteaches Thanks so much for responding! I thought it was just something my mom did, but now I know it might be a cultural thing. Love your videos - they're so informative and well organized.

[@michellehenriques9164]

OMG, this coat is so great, I love it!!! You’ve inspired me to learn this style of stitching!!! I’ve got tons of old and never worn clothes I can use. Thank you so much for this wonderful video and for allowing us access to your Pinterest board. Yay!!!

[@zoehongteaches]

Have fun mending!

[@rosaelinav8036]

Omg I love your kimono 👘 it’s looks so amazing 🤩

[@sandrarovira3034]

Wow how interesting 🤔….. love the story you told

[@Chiemikaneko]

I love this video! Makes me think about back home. I love your Boro jacket! Thank you so much for sharing :)

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you and you're welcome!

[@DanaT23]

Absolutely Love your information and Your level of creativity. I Just found you and now I have my creative Zen again. I appreciate YOU and Thanks....Keep the videos flowing!

[@natsbones]

I had no idea about boro, but might take some inspiration from it for my next uni project, this is so going into my moodboards

[@zoehongteaches]

Have fun!

[@fantomie5885]

I apparently have been doing Sachiko stitching in my youth, as that was the only way I repaired my clothing as a child

[@carefreedelight2355]

You are very generous with your knowledge. Thank you so much.

[@lakinney8044]

Love your creations!

[@carolenkatha]

Beautifully amazing!!!😍🤩 and great idea ..the stitching!

[@artyveevers3753]

Yes, a tote bag! That’s exactly where I will start! Thanks Zoe~ what an inspiring way to reuse and upcycle.😊

[@zoehongteaches]

Good luck with your bag!

[@dixiechampagne2892]

That coat is gorgeous

[@TriggaTreDay]

So inspiring! I just followed you on Pinterest a few days ago and I’m glad I did. We have tons of similar interests in things and look forward to learning more from you. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@joancollier4488]

Such an inspirational and well made video with lots of historical info and how to get started on either a small project like just experimenting on a pair of jeans or a little bag. By the way I adore kimonos and love the idea of using one as a base for embellishing. I love your video:)

[@RegstarRogstar]

goddamn, you sketch straight up with copic? you professionals got money i see... (jk i love the choice of colors for your boro a lot wow

[@zoehongteaches]

I'M SO FANCY!! hahaha~

[@zarahlimtan6319]

I love this video SO MUCH! Your Boro coat looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing this with us 😊❤️

[@zoehongteaches]

thanks!

[@jolamarr2203]

YESSSSSS I AM SO EXCITED THAT THIS VIDEO IS OUT ILY AND I LOVE YOUR COAT OMG

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@thinhnguyenart]

Wow this turned out so cool!

[@zoehongteaches]

thanks!

[@deniseoates7147]

Like the end results. I always like kimonos, even before it became this in thing walking down the runways and now sold at every retail store in some form one way of another. Thanks you for sharing your skills and what you learn while abroad. This was a very good tutorial. This video was great, Blessing to you in 2019

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome and thank you!

[@deborahgiles8214]

Spectacular piece. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@suzannebeyer5369]

I so.love the idea of the stitching on the overalls!

[@zoehongteaches]

Feel free to copy the idea! I get compliments whenever I wear them.

[@chareseshinabery]

Wow! I didn’t even know about Boro!! I absolutely love this!! Thanks Zoe!

[@KFranricenoodles]

Just want to say. I LOVE YOU! So glad i found you and i will totally be making this coat

[@marcelanb5172]

looooooveee it!! thanks for sharing, I will try this soon

[@zoehongteaches]

Please do!

[@Betsylah]

Fantastic coat, Zoe! and you are an excellent teacher. Thanks so much for this tutorial.

[@percynonez1163]

Beautiful

[@heikehoyer1284]

Many thanks for that video, I like the idea to reuse fabric. The coat has much life!! Greetings from Sweden Heike

[@TooCuteNhandi]

This was such an inspiring upload! Thank you!!

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@walteraddie7925]

This is very cool. I might try something along this line with all my scrap fabrics. I won't be hand stitching but hey we can all improvise.

[@zoehongteaches]

Yes, do what works for you!

[@yvettefukuda95]

Thank you for your beautiful post. Actually I went to see this awsome exhibition in Amuse, Asakusa 3 years ago ? Unfortunately, the building where you could find all sorts of Japanese traditional items has closed, for lack of tourists... So sad.

[@Silva007ish]

Love your video because I’m going to make one and you gave me the courage and ideas to do it. I’d love to see your kimono collection.

[@sandrabuchanan1188]

thanks, Zoe, really enjoyed your video and approach to Boro....my new love. Sandy from Melbourne Australia

[@erinpaige79]

Thank you for this informative and beautiful video! You've made a wonderful work of wearable art, and it's so exciting to learn new (OLD!) ways of reusing what we already have.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome and thank you!

[@anoukanansi-videography]

so beautiful. So much work too! But amazing end result

[@suppohkram]

i really appreciated the shogun age joke. Unexpected yet effective lmao

[@marylindberg5516]

Fascinating

[@Blackstarguitar]

Perfect video.

[@kated238]

This is such a cool concept and great tutorial! I'm definitely trying this!!!

[@zoehongteaches]

Have fun!

[@djf8619]

I am so glad I ran across your vid. This is certainly a great idea, and I need a winter coat... so just may try this. Thanks for making the vid.