Title screen of the Sashiko game.

Sashiko

2020-2024

Sashiko is a meditative sewing game based on the Japanese form of decorative stitching to reinforce or repair old and worn clothing, making it stronger and warmer.

Players have to physically sew using a needle and thread on a custom-made sewing game controller, following the geometric patterns displayed in the game. There is no time limit and there is no right or wrong. Players can choose to replicate the displayed pattern, or create their own. The sewing circuit board is an alternative controller made from cardboard, denim and the Makey Makey.

Sashiko was made as part of the 10th Melbourne Global Game Jam in 2020 in response to the theme REPAIR. The game was initially showcased to the public at the Community Play Party on 18 February 2020 at the South Melbourne Town Hall, and featured on ABC Radio National program, Life Matters.

The project was later exhibited with an updated controller as part of the Feminine Play exhibition from 4–18 October 2024 at Carlisle Street Arts Space, St Kilda Town Hall.

Play Trailer
Additional Credits & Info:

Programming: Tabitha Leimonis
Sound Design: Caitlin Hopwood

Showcase: Community Play Party
Venue: South Melbourne Town Hall
Dates: 18 February 2020

Exhibition: Feminine Play
Venue: Carlisle Street Arts Space, St Kilda Town Hall
Dates: 4–18 October 2024

Game Jam: Melbourne Global Game Jam 2020
Press Coverage: Life Matters, ABC Radio National

Photography: Helen Kwok (unless otherwise specified on photo caption).

ABC Radio National Logo
Levels menu screen in Sashiko.
Play screen of the Sashiko game.
Close-up of the Sashiko booth at the Play Party.
Player following the pattern on the Sashiko screen and sewing on the Sashiko controller.
Players smiling while playing Sashiko at the Play Party.
Over the shoulder shot of a player playing Sashiko.
Lightbox display of Sashiko at the Play Party.
Players sewing using the Sashiko controller while playing Sashiko at the Play Party.
Close-up of someone sewing using the Sashiko controller.
Wide shot of the Sashiko booth at the Play Party.
Team photo of Helen Kwok and Tabitha Leimonis at the Play Party.
Photographer: Chad Toprak
Credits screen of Sashiko game.
Brainstorming ideas at the Melbourne Global Game Jam 2020.
Photographer: Sheridan Horne, JMC Academy
Wide shot of the Sashiko booth at the Play Party from above.
Photographer: Isabelle Pattison Photography
Helen Kwok & Tabitha Leimonis setting up the Sashiko booth at the Play party.
Photographer: Isabelle Pattison Photography
Team photo of the team behind Sashiko, taken at the Melbourne Global Game Jam 2020.
Wide shot of the Sashiko exhibit at Feminine Play.
Updated Sashiko game controller and instruction sheet.
Exhibition label for Sashiko exhibit.
Sashiko pages within the Feminine Play exhibition catalogue.