Temarikai Glossaries
Japanese Basic Stitches and  Terms

        The main Temari Glossary provides a comprehensive listing of both adopted Engish and Japanese terms used in Temari. This listing is a conscise Japanese listing as terms are being learned by translation. The information compiled here is provided through direct translation from Japanese Temari books and lessons. Look for additions as the knoweldge base grows. Links from this page take you to the Temarikai Took Kit, which provides detailed instructions as well as Japanese pronunciation - both are works in progress. 

Chidori  (zig zag) - literally, "up and down like the little bird flies or walks, depending upon translation", meaning a zig-zag appearance.

Chidori Kagari (zig zag stitch) - combining two words, this is a zig-zag stitch - very similiar to what in English is known a Herrringbone Stitch.

Gake - alternate word for "stitch". It will be used interchangeably with Kagari

Hoshi kagari (star) -  using five jiwari and stitching on every fourth around to create a star outline

Ito - thread (as in sewing or stitching).

Jiwari (Marking threads/lines) - the threads placed on the wrapped mari to divide it into the prescribed number of shapes and sections

Jyouge douji kagari (working from both poles; pole to pole) - using kagari and creating shapes or designs that cross over the obi in the process.

Kagari - single tiny stitch, like a tailor hem stitch.

Kiku - Chrysanthemum flower design. It may be  created by using Uwagake Chidori stitch arrangement, or any of many other stitch arrangements to create a floral design outcome on the Temari. There are many variations of kiku designs.  To help avoid confusion:  The term "Kiku" refers to a design element/composition, namely one that resembles a radiating floral-like pattern eminating from a center point (pole). Kiku designs may be formed by any of mnay various stitches or stitch arrangements. Conversely, Uwagaki Chidori stitch arrangement, while it may frequently be used to create Kiku-type designs, may also be used to create a multitude of other design themes and elements.

Kousa kagari (Interwoven shapes) - using Kagari to create shapes which interweave with the adjoining shapes, usually one row (but may be several) at a time.

Maki kagari (Wrapped Bands) - using kagari and then wrapping around the mari to create bands of color (including with any number of design variations such as weaving). One or more bands may be incorporated into a pattern.

Masu kagari  (Square) - using the right angle intersection of two jiwari and Kagari to create a solid square design.

Mitsubane Kikkou kagari (Tri-wing & Hexagon)- using three jiwari and stitching around to create a hexagon center with three half-spindles radiating outward from it

Nejiri kagari (Interlocked shapes) - using Kagari to create any desired shape but interlocking the entire shape with an adjoining shape.

Nejiri Mitsubane (Tri-wing without hexagon center) -  using three jiwari to stitch three half-spindles, each radiating out from the center point

Obi kagari - the zig zag stitches placed along the top and bottom edges of a wrapped obi.

Renzoku kagari - using Kagari to create designs that cross through more than one quadrant of the mari before repeating their sequence (stitching around the ball as a main focus of the pattern).

Sakasa Uwagake Kagari - using Uwagake technique on all corners/points of the shape

Shitagake (Chidori) kagari (zig zag under)- arrangement of Chidori Kagari where on the top point of the zigzag,  the subsequent rows are placed directly and closely below the previous row (as opposed to working around and under them, as in Uwagake).

Tekabori - small needle type of hand tool that is used for laying down threads (i.e floss or other stranded threads) in proper alignment.

Tsumu kagari (Spindle) - using kagari on one jiwari, back and forth from the center starting point on the jiwari to create a widening elongated oval shape, pointed on each end.

Uwagake Chidori (Zig zag over) - specific arrangement of Chidori Kagari where the working thread is taken over the previous rows to create the widening solid "V" shaped wedge, eminating outward from the pole or center point. This stitch arrangement refers to whether all, one, or several previous rows are worked over and around.

Special thanks to our Japanese teachers: Milly Koh, Kiyoko Tibbets, members of the MHJapanese Assoc., and specifically Ai Mizuta (Japan Temari Association member and Kyoujyu/Level 4 Certificate holder). Ai provides the correct Japanese terms with pictorial references, and reviews the entries to insure accuracy.


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Last updated 6/2009 © 2003 - 2009 G.Thompson, et. al. One copy may be downloaded for personal use, or for non-profit teaching. For other needs please email for information.