Traditional Japanese Embroidery: Techniques and Designs

Aug 09

Crafters whose knowledge of Japanese craft is limited to amigurumi may be surprised by the beauty and detail of Japanese embroidery. Gray has studied Japanese craft since the 1980s, and her expertise shines in her detailed instructions. Although Gray explains the basics effectively, Japanese embroidery requires a good deal of skill. Lovely results, but not for beginners.

Sept 09

Previously published as Beginner's Guide to Traditional Japanese Embroidery, this A5 spiral bound book provides the perfect way for a student of this craft to watch a master at work and 'steal the knowledge'. Julia shows you how to lay flat silk, how to twist your own threads and how to use holding grids. Simple projects help to develop techniques, taking their inspiration from the four seasons. Included is a brief history, pages of material and equipment requirements and a chapter entitled 'getting started' which covers the work station, framing up, transferring designs, choosing colours and the handling of silks. Japanese embroidery is known for its colour and detail and the information provided reflects this. Reduced sized design patterns are included.

Winter 09

This is a lovely little book packed with information tht gives a real insight into the skills and traditions involved in Japanese embroidery. The aspiration of perfection in Japanese embroidery presents an enormous challenge but the philosophy that to stitch peace must first be attained must counterbalance the stress created in trying to achieve perfection. Included int he book are four simple projects inspired by the four seasons. The technical information is clear and concise from getting started to finishing off. Also many hints and tops could be equally useful in other embroidery projects.

April 09

First published as Beginner's Guide to Traditional Japanese Embroidery back in 2001, here is a brand new reprint with a user-friendly spiral spine so the book opens flat. This is a unique style of embroidery that is little known in the West, and books on how to do it are rare so this is a singular opportunity to discover how to do it. You do need some special equipment in order to take up this beautiful style of needlework ranging from a traditional wooden frame to more arcane items such as chaco paper and stroking needles. Your diligence in sourcing these items will be rewarded with the chance to make some truly gorgeous silk on silk works of art, of the sort seen on kimonos. There are not many stitches used so it won't take too long to learn them, the art is in the execution of the work. Progress from learning the basics to some projects based on the four seasons. Each project also tells you some of the symbolism of the subjects, and some more hints about how to design your own pieces. After the stitching has been completed there is more to do, and the final part of the book takes you through some unique processes such as pounding the work, coating with glue and steaming. I was impressed overall how this little book manages to convey so much that is unusual and new to even the most seasoned embroiderer in comparatively few words. This is a good workmanlike primer on a difficult and obscure subject, but by the end of reading through it a couple of times I felt more than ready to take up my needle.

Issue 59

According to tradition, students of Japanese embroidery must watch a master at work and 'steal the knowledge'. Here, Julia shares her passion for Japanese embroidery and reveals her in-depth knowledge of the skills and symbolism involved. Her work is exquisite and with detailed instructions and step-by-step photographs she shows you how to recreate her beautiful embroideries inspired by the seasons.