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This is a kiku design pattern, using double
thread and also a variation of the usual Uwagake Chidori stitch in
Temari in that the under stitch is placed a bit differently. This
results in a more filled-in appearance in the center of the kiku at the
pole/center. The stitches at the pole may be placed as close to the pole as desired and if started within a mm or two of the pole can truly result in a filled center. This sample is worked in Pearl Cotton 5, and Rainbow Gallery Nordic Gold for embellishing. Marking thead is a generic fine gold. This sample is a 2 3/4 inch diameter mari base. |
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Using double thread in stitching the design is
part of what contributes to the overall effect. The double threads need
to lie flat next to each other without being twisted. This can be done
simply with care in laying the thread and stitching but, a helpful
trick is illustrated here. When the threads have been placed on the
mari , enter the needle so that it is inbetween the two threads, over
the right and under the left. This will help insure that the threads do
not twist as the stitch is secured and makes for much less
"frustration" in aligning the double thread work. Begin working a kiku design using Uwagake Chidori but, there will be particular attention paid to the pole stitches to achieve a different detailed outcome. Bottom stitches on this example are placed two cm up from the obi. "Uwagake" means "over" in Japanese, relating to how the thread, when coming up from the lower end of the zigzag is carried over the previously stitched threads. This is what creates the criss-crossed effect of each stitch radiating out from the poles in Uwagake stitched work. "Chidori" literally is translate as "how the little bird flies" - which relates to the zigzag flight of the chickadee. "Chidori" has become synonymous with a zigzag appearance- up and down. |
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Work two rounds of Uwagake Chidori to set up a
kiku design using double thread. Both hemispheres of this temari are
worked identically so, this can be done on both poles now or you can
complete one hemisphere before working the second. Some stitchers find
it helpful to work each round on each hemisphere in turn so that the
pattern can be checked as you go and be sure that it is balanced on
both halves of the mari. If things are a bit off, many times
adjustments can be made as you go to help rectify things. Note that the in-between-the-threads needle placement is used at the pole stitches as well as on the bottom stitches. You will also need to "stretch the points" a bit more on the lower stitches to allow for the larger volume of the double threads. |
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For the third and succeeding rounds (each in a
different color), the upper stitch of the Uwagake Chidori taken around
one less thread that the previous rounds. Note where the needle is
exiting - this is the pattern that will be established and continued
for the remainder of the pole stitching. Even though the overall work
is double-thread, the stitch placement will concentrate on in between
each thread of previous rounds. You may find it helpful to use a laying tool or the eye of your needle to open up the spacing a little bit before inserting or exiting the needle for proper placement. It is also very important to not split threads in the process - this will be quite noticable and take away from the final appearance. |
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This shows the third round of stitching
complete, note that one thread of the gold rounds has been left "open and not worked around/under when the stitch was taken. When the fourth round is started and worked ( in a slightly darker shade than round 3), step down one more thread so that you are working under the second thread of the first round of double thread stitching..... note the spacing details in the photos. |
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These photos continue to show the closeup detail
of the stitch spacing and placing, always stepping down one thread from
the previous rows with each succeding round. Keep track of that you are
working in double thead but placing stitches based on single threads. |