What Is “Hirazashi”?

A Master Tatami Craftsman Explains the Hidden Stitching Technique That Determines Quality

About the Author

Yusuke Higuchi

Nationally Certified First-Class Tatami Master Owner of Higuchi Tatami Shop, Tokyo

Yusuke Higuchi is a premier tatami craftsman based in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to delivering authentic Japanese comfort to homes worldwide. He perfected his craft in Kyoto under the tutelage of a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" (Medal with Yellow Ribbon recipient), mastering the millimeter-level precision required for temples and high-end tea rooms.

• 🏆 Award: Winner of the Kyoto Tatami Competition (Governor’s Award)
• 📜 Certification: National Level 1 Tatami Craftsmanship (The highest in Japan)
• 🌎 Global Service: Specializing in custom-made tatami mats for international shipping.

Introduction

Hello, I’m Yusuke Higuchi from Higuchi Tatami Shop, a certified first-class tatami craftsman based in Tokyo, Japan.

When people look at tatami, they often focus on the surface.
However, from a craftsman’s perspective, the true quality of tatami is revealed elsewhere.

👉 The finish of the tatami edge (tatami-beri)

In this article, I will explain a traditional hand-stitching technique called “Hirazashi”, which plays a crucial role in both the durability and beauty of tatami.

Watch the Hirazashi Process (Video)

Watch the full process in this video.

👉 This video shows the actual hand-stitching process used in professional tatami production.

What Is Hirazashi?

Hirazashi is the process of stitching the decorative edge (tatami-beri) onto the tatami mat.

At first glance, it may look simple—just sewing fabric onto the edge.

But in reality, it is a highly refined technique that directly affects:

• The visual finish
• Long-term durability
• Structural stability

👉 Even a small difference in stitching can dramatically change the final result.

Why Hirazashi Makes a Difference

The tatami edge is one of the most exposed parts of the mat.

It is constantly subjected to:

• Friction from daily use
• Contact with feet and furniture
• Visual attention when entering a room

If this area is poorly executed, problems quickly appear:

• Wrinkles along the edge
• Uneven lines
• A cheap or sloppy appearance

👉 This is why skilled stitching is essential.

The Core Technique: Needle Control (Unshin)

The most critical skill in Hirazashi is needle control, known in Japanese as Unshin.

From above, the motion looks simple:

• Insert the needle straight down
• Pull it up diagonally

However, inside the tatami, something more complex is happening.

👉 The thread is intentionally crossed within the structure.

Why Cross the Thread?

The reason is simple but powerful:

👉 Crossed threads tighten more effectively than parallel ones

This creates:

• Stronger tension
• Better fixation
• Greater durability

👉 In other words:

👉 Less force, stronger hold

This is a fundamental principle that distinguishes hand craftsmanship from machine work.

Precision You Can’t See: Needle Exit Position

Another critical detail is where the needle exits the surface.

The correct position is:

👉 Slightly below the fold line of the tatami edge

If stitched too close to the edge:

• The tightening force pulls on the igusa (rush grass)
• Wrinkles form along the edge
• The finish becomes uneven

👉 Just a few millimeters make a significant difference.

Why Hirazashi Is More Difficult Than It Looks

Hirazashi appears simple, but it requires precise control of:

• Needle movement
• Tension (force)
• Stitch positioning

If any of these are off—even slightly—the result is immediately visible.

👉 This is why it’s a technique where true skill becomes obvious.

Training in Kyoto: The Foundation of Craftsmanship

I learned Hirazashi during my apprenticeship in Kyoto, the traditional center of tatami craftsmanship.

At that time, I was required to master:

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Consistency

This foundation is what allows me today to produce tatami that maintains both beauty and function over time.

Conclusion: You Can Judge Tatami by Its Edges

Tatami mats may look similar at first glance.

But over time, the difference becomes clear.

👉 The edge reveals everything:

• Stitch precision
• Structural integrity
• Craftsmanship

👉 And most importantly:

👉 Quality becomes visible over time

Final Thoughts

If you have ever felt:

• “The edges of my tatami don’t look right”
• “The finish feels uneven”

👉 Then it’s worth paying attention not just to the surface—but to the stitching.

At Higuchi Tatami Shop:

👉 Every tatami is crafted by a certified first-class tatami craftsman
👉 With attention to the smallest details

We offer:

• Tatami replacement and new installations
• Custom-made tatami
• International shipping worldwide

👉 If you are interested, feel free to contact us.

Learn More

• About our craftsman：Profile of Yusuke Higuchi, Tatami Craftsman Trained in Kyoto and Owner of Higuchi Tatami Shop
• Our craftsmanship philosophy：Solving 3 Common Tatami Problems with a Craftsman's "Invisible Techniques"　
• Contact us：Higuchi Tatami Shop - Contact Form for International Customers