Temari: A Traditional Japanese Embroidery Technique

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The ancient Japanese art of temari yields colorful embroidered spheres of astonishingly complex-looking geometric designs. Yet the materials and the basic principles are really pretty simple: wadded-up batting or a pair of pantyhose is covered with a plastic bag and wrapped with layers of ordinary thread to form the base shape, which is then divided into sections and systematically stitched with shiny cotton. Woven and interwoven triangles, diamonds, stars, abstract florals, and other elaborate patterns emerge over the surface. The process is time-consuming and some patterns are advanced, but the basic steps and many designs are not so difficult, and the results are amazing. In Japan, temari balls are given to celebrate major events such as birthdays or weddings, but you don't have to wait for a special occasion: use a bowl full of temari balls as an interesting centerpiece or home-decor accent, or turn different-sized versions into key chains, earrings, rattles, bell pulls, and ornaments. Consult this guide for a terrific introduction to the technique, with color photos of each of the 22 step-by-step projects. --Amy Handy


Book Description
“Virtually unknown outside Japan until recently, Temari consists of a ball core covered with plain sewing thread and finished on the outside with brightly colored embroidery thread in geometric designs. Twenty-two illustrated step-by-step projects for finishing the outside complete the book....An excellent and beautifully illustrated guide and is highly recommended for all crafts collections.”—Library Journal.



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Embroider brilliantly colored, patterned spheres using this ancient Japanese creative craft. The 22 temari designs--plus numerous variations-in this full-color, how-to guide require only the most inexpensive and readily available materials. Learn how to form the base ball, divide it into pattern sections, and decorate it with the three main temari techniques of winding, stitching, and weaving. Add tassels and knots for finishing touches. Each design includes a difficulty rating and techniques list, making it easy to select the project that's right for you. Once you've created one of these exquisite works of art, you'll understand why temari are often placed in glass cases for permanent display.


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