Temari Pattern 0401 instructions

Dragonflies

This is a very easy themed temari, using an 8 Combination marking.

This design is a loose interpretation of a traditional crane temari pattern taught in the classes by the Japan Temari Association in Tokyo. The cranes have been adapted to dragonflies for this design.

It can be stitched in Ribbon Floss, Rainbow Gallery ribbons, and/or Kreinik ribbons, along with a finer metallic such as RG Treasure Braid or Kreinik Fine or Medium Braid. Alternatively, several lines of pearl cotton could be substituted for the Ribbon Floss but, the luster and shine effect from the ribbon fibers will be lost, which adds a good level of effect to the dragonfly. You can choose whatever number and combination of colors you prefer.

Prepare, divide and mark a 8 Combination mari; a dark background is best, such as black, navy or dark green, but other interpretations could work. (this is about a 3 inch diameter ball as shown - you can go a little smaller, but not too much).

Use the finer metallic thread to mark the division - not the ribbon-type fiber.

Locate the diamond shapes that are formed - there will be 12, as a result of the C8 division.

One dragonfly will be stitched in each diamond.

Using 1 strand of ribbon floss (be sure to lay the ribbon floss flat as you stitch and avoid any twisting - if it twists it will be a big blooper in the design effect), stitch long straight stitches in an "X" as shown (in gray), to form the wings of the dragonflies. Use two stitches each for each wing set as shown. Anchor the thread and come up at Pt 1, down at Pt 2, up at Pt 3, down at Pt 4. Repeat on Pts a, b, c, d, These threads form the wings.

Use three long stitches for the body. Stagger the lengths of these stitches to give a head and tail effect. Anchor a thread and come up at A, down at B, up at C, down and D, and then run another long stitch through the center of this "X".

With thinner metallic, place a cross stitch across the body and wing stitches to hold them in place - don't pull it too tight.
Place 2 long stitches on one end of the body, making a "head" - these stitches will form the antennae.

Stitch a dragonfly in each of the 12 diamonds on the mari. You can vary the colors of the body stitches or make them all the same. Try to use a white or gray for the wings to simulate the transparency of a real dragonfly wing. (With thanks to Sue H. for the traditional pattern this was interpreted from).