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

Learn How to Make Exotic Japanese Embroidered Temari Balls

The unique craft of creating embroidered balls began as a folk art in ancient Japan. Originally made as playthings to delight children, temari balls later were crafted by ladies of the Imperial Court from the same silk threads used to weave elegant kimonos. Over time, temari became a sophisticated art form in miniature, lovely representations of centuries-old patterns embroidered onto perfectly round handballs. Now it is your turn to experience this unique craft.

Temari Techniques offers all you need to make beautiful Japanese temari balls, following patterns from simple to exquisitely sophisticated! Start by learning how to make a smooth, round base and add guidelines around which to shape the design. Progress to mastering stitching and embroidery techniques with hundreds of step-by-step drawings. Then learn how to layer threads to develop more elaborate patterns, color, and texture, creating dazzling designs where the threads overlap and interlock in amazingly intricate ways. Scattered throughout the book are dozens of patterns that can be used to advance and refine your skills.

- Beautiful photos of dozens of temari on display

- Hundreds of detailed drawings that demystify techniques

- Patterns that help practice skills and lay the groundwork for your own designs

- At-a-glance stitch guide for left-handed stitchers

- Illustrated visual reference to help you locate specific techniques quickly

- Lesson plan for temari teachers

Temari Techniques is a great guide for beginners and introduces challenging designs for more advanced temari stitchers. Barbara Suess's beautiful presentation will inspire you to create your own exotic and playful works of art.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 164837171X).

Barbara B. Suess is the creator of Kiku Designs, an extensive online resource for enthusiasts of the Japanese crafts of temariand kimekomi (www.japanesetemari.com). A self-taught expert in Japanese needlework, she writes patterns, teaches classes, and even creates Japan-inspired jewelry. She is the author of Japanese Temari.