TEMARI is one of the traditional Japanese handicrafts. It was a toy for girls. First time it was for girls of the noble class. However, about 2-3 hundred years ago, when the people could get peculiar thread in each areas, this handicrafts were popular in each areas in own styles. Mothers and grandmothers made temari for their daughters and granddaughters. I am a mother of two daughters. When I am making temari, they stay by my side and always say "It is a beautiufll. I want to make it some day." When I heard these words, my heart always fills with joy.

TEMARI has some different styles. One uses a technique with a patchwork effect. The surface of a thread ball is wrapped in fabrics to give a patchwork effect.
Another style uses a technique like embroidery. Designs like flowers, animals, fish, fireworks, etc. are embroidered on the ball. In another style is the patterned stiching type. The susrface of the thread ball is covered in stitching.

Nowadays, most of the younger generation in Japan prefer to follow trends in other countries. So, unfortunately, we cannot say many Japanese women can make TEMARI, or if you ask Japanese women how to make TEMARI, most women will not be able to teach you.

We hope this wonderful TEMARI technique can be passed to future generations and many people from other countries will love TEMARI like us.


More about Temari

Go to " THE TEMARI MAP OF JAPAN " or " TEMARI CHRONOLOGY "