A form of Japanese darning-stitch embroidery that originated in Aomori Prefecture, northern Honshu, during the Edo period (1615 – 1868). Stitched predominantly in white cotton, parallel counted stitches are worked onto a single layer of background cloth (usually indigo-dyed), to form diamond and other geometric patterns. A craft born of necessity, this style was designed to increase the durability of the thick workwear worn by farmers during harsh winters in the Tsugaru Peninsula. By the early 20th century, kogin had almost died out, but more recently it has been revived for household and fashion items, and promoted as meibutsu (a recognised regional speciality).