About

Temari (Japanese for “hand ball”) are traditional Japanese embroidered balls that make perfect festive gifts or unique baubles for decorating the tree. Once you have mastered the technique in class, you can go on to create balls in different sizes and an infinite number of patterns, limited only by your imagination.

They originated as children’s toys made from kimono scraps but gradually evolved into intricate, decorative folk art. They now represent friendship and good fortune, perfect all year gifts.

This hands-on introduction to the art of Temari making is for absolute beginners and seasoned embroiderers looking for a new creative medium.

Temari are crafted by tightly winding thread—often over a rice husk or foam core—and embroidered into complex geometric, star or floral patterns. In class, students with no stitching experience will be able to create a simple beginner ball from scratch, learning how to wrap, mark and stitch onto the form. Anyone with slightly more sewing skills will be able to develop their design in class and continue embellishing their ball at  home with just basic tools – thread, pins and a needle.

Once you have mastered the basics, Temari making is an addictive, mindful and inexpensive craft to continue at home.

Tutor Bev Colburn learnt her craft from an inspirational Aunt when she was young and her passion – and the complexity of her designs – is evident on her Instagram page, here.