Temari Techniques: A Visual Guide to Making Japanese Embroidered Thread Balls

Bringing a time-honored art form into the modern needle-working world, this visually rich how-to guide reveals the techniques of Japanese temari balls. Anyone with an interest in fabric arts, particularly Japanese arts and design, can master stitching techniques and layer threads to create pattern, color, and texture. There are more than 40 easy-to-follow patterns to help fine-tune this skill set that will appeal to not only temari enthusiasts, but to quilters and embroiderers as well. Step-by-step directions and detailed drawings explain each technique, while mini patterns aid in practicing the new skills and help to lay the groundwork for individual and unique designs. This volume is great for beginners and for those stitchers looking for new challenges and intermediate temari designs. The book is more than a collection of patterns: once the basic techniques have been mastered, instruction is provided on how to combine patterns on the same ball to create a unique temari. A guide for left-handed stitchers is also provided.

Barbara B. Suess is the owner of Kiku Designs. She is the author of popular craft books, Japanese Kimekomi and Japanese Temari. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.