Temari Pattern 99GK16 (revised November 12, 2005 by Glenna K)
Intermediate to Advanced Pattern contributed by Glenna Kipp  / Download PDF file of this pattern
Fireworks  (aka Kiku Around Kiku)

Glenna offers this interpretation, that essentially also teaches a method variation - the outcome is virtually an "interwoven kiku".  It can be found in many Japanese temari books. The “Fireworks” title for this pattern doesn’t make much sense when worked in pastels.  However, in many Japanese temari books you will find this pattern worked in bright colors on a black mari.  Then it looks like fireworks!

The traditional Uwagake Chidori stitch arrangement is worked in two sections so as to interweave with each other.

Materials:  4” Styrofoam ball, Mint thread wrap, Silver metallic mark line, #5 Perle Cotton Lt. Pink & Dk. Pink, #16 Kreinik Braid 042

1.  Wrap mari with Mint thread.  Measure and mark for 20 Simple Divisions.  Stitch mark lines with Silver metallic thread.  Mark obi with pins.

2.  Measure down and place pin half way between NP and obi and be sure to alternate two colors of pins.  Stitch a narrow Kiku pattern for 5-6 rounds, working Light Pink on even mark lines and Dark Pink on odd mark lines.  Weave the two colors by working one round of light, then one round of dark.


 3.  Work a “V” shaped outline pattern for 7 rounds.  This pattern is worked around the lower points of the previously worked Kiku. 

The “V” outline begins close beneath the last round worked and forms an outline of that element.  Enter the wrap thread on the Right side of the previous point.  Exit the wrap thread on the left side.  Complete the outline by stitching back into the wrap thread on the right of the mark line.  Take your needle into the wrap thread and under everything to come up to the left of the 2nd mark line clockwise from the entry point.  Be careful not to pull these stitches too tight.  It might help to place a pin on either side of the first kiku to prevent your stitches from collapsing it.

Begin the Light Pink pattern on odd mark lines immediately below the last round of Dark Pink.  Begin the Dark Pink pattern on even mark lines.  Work one round at a time on each mark line so colors weave.  Work the dark color last.

In order to help illustrate this special variant of the pattern element, here is a set of photos showing the stitching element in four colors of thread for teaching purposes:

      Photo 1 shows the upper Kiku element worked in White and Black.   The needle is threaded with Orange to outline the White Kiku point.  The needle shows the path into the wrap thread.
       Photo 2 shows the completion of one Orange outline.  The needle shows the path into the wrap thread and out at the start point for Orange outline.
      Photo 3 shows 2 complete rounds of outline.  The White Kiku element is outlined with Orange.  The Black Kiku element is outlined with Yellow.

Now, work on placing the obi detail:


 4.  Measure along the mark lines from lower kiku point to point.  Be sure the Obi pin is in the center of each mark line segment.  When any adjustments needed have been made, stitch the obi with Kreinik braid.

Determining obi placement and thickness:

5.  Determine how wide (number of thread rounds) you want your obi pattern.  My sample was 4 rounds.  Lay those threads side by side on a piece of paper to get the width of your bands.  Now measure on each mark line and place pins for your north and south points.  Use the band width measurement to be sure the final round you stitch lays where you want it. 

6.  Now take a piece of paper and sketch this pattern.

Draw 5 vertical lines (about 1 1/2” long and about 1/2”) spaced about 1/2” apart.  These represent your mark lines. Draw 1 horizontal line through the middle of the vertical lines.  This is your obi. Measure 1/2” above the obi line and place a dot on each vertical line.  Make another dot 1/2” below the obi line.
Locate the intersection of the obi with the far left vertical line.  Write “12” to the left of the intersection. On the next vertical line to the right write “8” to the left of the obi intersection, write 11 by the north dot, and write 9 by the south dot.

On the next center vertical line write “4” to the left of the obi intersection, write “10” to the right of the obi intersection, write “7” by the north dot, and write “5” by the south dot. On the next vertical line to the right write “6” to the right of the obi intersection, write “3” by the north dot, and write “1” by the south dot.
On the last vertical line write “2” to the right of the obi intersection.


 7.  You will now stitch the diamonds by taking herringbone stitches at each of the numbers in sequence.  Thread your needle with #16 braid.  Bring your thread up to the left of 1.  Rotate the mari so the obi thread is vertical and stitch 2 around it.  Rotate the mari again so 1 is north and 3 is south.  Take a herringbone stitch at 3 around the vertical line.  Rotate the mari again so 2 is north.  Take a herringbone stitch around the obi line below the intersection of the vertical line.  

Rotate the mari one more time and complete the diamond with a stitch back at 1.   This stitch will go into the thread wrap and exit at 5, the start point for the next diamond. Stitch diamond 5, 6, 7, 8, 5. 

Click to enter Temarikai.com
Last updated 11/2005 © From 1998 inclusive G.Thompson, Glenna Kipp