Interest in Teenie Temari has perked up lately.... within the discussion group we have come to agree that by definition, Teenies are about an inch in diameter or less. Many people are surprised to think that many traditional patterns can be worked on such a small scale with very little adjusting - and oh what fun they are! One of the group members says her favorite thing is to keep a jar full on her desk, and then tell people to hold their hands together as she pours the lot into them.....

        The regular techniques of Temari making hold here, with a few adjustments. You can use one inch or less styrofoam balls for mari bases, or you will also find that it is very easy to make your own. One facial tissue wadded up will in the end produce a nice one inch ball, give or take a little. Many people now are saving the trimmings from the batting cover on larger balls for teenie cores - likewise a small bit of polyester fiberfill also works great. For ones that I want a little heft to, like a Temari pendant, I will use a large marble. Your imagination is the only limit here... and you will find that it is not hard to make your own maris and have them round... smaller ones are easier than larger ones.

        It does become important that you use fine yarn as the underwrap or you will have lumps that are unforgiving. Some crafters use only thread to wrap teenies, and if you have a soft core with a thick thread wrap you will have an adequate stitching surface. I personally still like using a fine yarn underneath.

        Marking is easier than large maris - many times simple verticals and even C8s can be eyeballed if you are comfortable doing these markings on regular size balls. Some can also eyeball C10s - i still mark with a tape for them as accuracy hits harder on the C10s. You can use regular size pins if you have a soft core that they will penetrate enough to have a firm stand on, or at this time either appliqué or sequin pins, that are smaller, fit the bill better and easier.

        Again, most any basic pattern can be used, but be advised that very intricate ones are not in line for Teenies - if you are using regular threads (pearl number 5 or equivalent) to stitch with, you will only use about 3 to 5 or 6 rows or rounds for the whole pattern. If you use finer thread, such as Pearl number 8, several strands of floss or Marlitt or rayon floss, or other thread such as Omega Nylon or Pearl Crown Rayon that is finer than Pearl 5 then you will be able to work more rounds....

        Only your imagination will limit what you can do with these little guys.. and this is also a great way to experiment with different designs - it works up quickly to see how it goes, and if it is a bust you have not invested a lot of time and material.

        Click here to see the Teenie Album page......  

Click here to see some examples of Teenies from the GITS Teenie Swap, spring 2001.