This example used black sewing thread to mark the mari;
marking thread should be thin to avoid interfering with the pattern
stitching. Mark the obi with pins only. Leave your obi pins in place
and mark each vertical line with a pin half way from pole to obi north
and south.
Create a horizontal stitching guideline: To do this, anchor each
vertical line at the half way pin and carry your thread on top of your
mari wrap when you move to anchor the next vertical line. When you
stitch you will take small stitches just over (on the north) or under
(on the south) the guideline. Doing this keeps the obi pattern even
around the mari.
Start with darkest color (burgundy). Choose a guideline and call it
line 1. Stitch a Zigzag around your mari starting at line 1 north to
line 5 - 9 – 13 – 17 – 21 – back to1, repeat the row. ( Red line on the
stitch chart). Using the same color start at line 1 south and stitch a
Zigzag for 2 rows. This will give you a diamond pattern.(Red line with
dashes.)
Change to your second color family. Use the darkest color (dark blue).
Start a zigzag on line 3 north to line 7 – 11 – 15 – 19 – 23 back
to 3 , repeat the row (Blue line on the stitch chart). In the
same color stitch 2 rows starting on line 3 south. (Blue line with dots
on the stitch pattern.)
After this the pattern repeats, stitch 2 lines at a time working your
colors from darkest to lightest. When you have done the last 2 rows in
the lightest colors outline the pattern with one of your darkest
colors. (I choose burgundy)
Finishing touch: Stitch 3 rows of backstitch around the top and bottom
edge of the pattern. You may also choose to embellish the poles. I
liked the look of the black thread so I left it as is.
