Beginner Kiku using Uwagake Chidori Kagari One of the most basic and quintessential temari designs, often used a first lesson in temari making. Materials: 2 to 2 1/2 inch diameter (23-25 cm circum) mari Pearl cotton #5 in 2 colors; a 3rd may be used as finish round.  Medium gold metallic thread. Divide and mark a Simple 8 with gold metallic thread.

Divide and mark a Simple 8 division using  metallic gold thread.		Measure distance from North Pole to equator. Place pins on  each line, 1/3 of this distance up from the equator.		With Color A, enter a length of working thread just to the left of one marking line, 5 mm down from the NP. Move 1 marking line to the right and take small stitch just below pin.

Move 1 line to the right, and take a small "top" stitch at the 5mm distance from NP.		Move 1 line to the right and take a "bottom" stitch		Continue around in this zig-zag pattern until you return to the starting point. "Chidori" translates as "zig-zag". Park the thread.

Enter a length of Color B on a marking line that has a bottom stitch of Color A. Keep to the same 5mm distance from the NP		Repeat the Chidori sequence around the mari, as was done for Color A.		Stop when you return to the starting point for this color. Complete the stitch but then allow the thread to "park"

Return to Color A. Stitch a second row, laying thread parallel to first round. When taking bottom stitch, "stretch" stitch placement an extra 1-2 mm to allow for a smooth point.		When taking the top stitch, place needle about 1 thread width wider and below previous stitch. These top stitches widen as the pattern grows; they do not remain narrow.		Continue around the temari in this fashion, remembering to "stretch the points".

The working thread is always take "over" the previously placed threads before taking the top stitch. "Uwagake" translates as "over".		After completing the second round of Color A, repeat with Color B.		The top stitches will widen as they work downward. Remember to widen your stitch as you work downward.

The threads of the 2 color sets will interweave with each other. Use the eye of the needle to stroke this area downward to keep stitching room open.		Work to the equator, using an equal number of rounds of each color. Notice the woven wedge created at the top because of placing the working thread "over" the previous rows before taking the stitch.		Use a third color of thread and stitch 1 rounds both color sets if desired. This can also be worked in the same thread as used for marking the mari. Repeat the design on the opposite (south) pole of the mari.

---

Last updated 06/11 © 1998, 1999, 2011 G.Thompson. Design may be downloaded for personal & non-profit use. Not for use in for-profit teaching, items for sale, or republication in any form without permission.