Welcome to Susan Briscoe Designs
I am a designer and textile artist, author of several books and I teach creative textile workshops.

I hope you enjoy exploring my website and the samples of my work.

If you have any questions about my work, books or workshops, please get in touch.

E-mail Susan Briscoe

Now Published!

Japanese Sashiko Inspirations:
25 Ways to Explore a Traditional Technique
A wealth of new designs, projects and inspirations from traditional sources!

View Japanese Sashiko Inspirations

Designer, Author and Teacher : The Beginning
I am often asked how I became interested in patchwork, quilting and Japanese textiles. My interest in fabric and costume goes back to childhood, when I loved dressing up and making things.

Eventually, at Cleveland College of Art, I studied alongside fashion and textiles specialists. Then, at University College of Wales, I studied Visual Art and Drama.

After graduation, I designed bespoke hand knits. And then I went to Japan - an experience that took me down a new and exciting road of art and design.

Passionate About Japan
I initially went to Japan as an English teacher on the Japan Exchange Teaching programme, living in Yazu-machi and Yamagata-ken.

As a hobby, I learned the traditional tea ceremony, which led to studying kimono tailoring at my neighbour's kimono shop. I became interested in patchwork and quilting after seeing my friends and neighbours' quilts, cushions and bags.

Living in a very traditional area of Japan helped me consolidate many of my art and design skills as I studied Japanese textiles and absorbed every scrap of visual information.

When I returned to the UK in 1992, I took began working on my own quilts and creations. As most of my fabric scraps were collected in Japan, it was inevitable that my quilts would have a Japanese flavour right from the start!

Sashiko and Quilts
On numerous return visits to Japan, I have added to my textile skills, learning Shonai and Yuza Sashiko from sashiko expert Chie Ikeda.

I have established strong links with Yuza-machi's quilt group, Peaceful Hearts, via my former neighbour, quilt teacher and textile specialist Reiko Domon.

In 2003, I curated the first major sashiko exhibition in the UK, the "Magic of Sashiko" at the inaugural Festival of Quilts. The exhibition was attended by members of Peaceful Hearts, who shared their sashiko skills with visitors.

View image Magic of Sashiko

Highlights of this exhibition are included in my second book, ‘The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook.

Susan Briscoe Links

Susan Briscoe's Blog
My patchwork, quilting, sashiko, kimono and costuming life. Plus a few other things!

Susan Briscoe eBay Sales Page
From time to time you can find fabrics and related items for sale on my eBay page.