Tekobari tool in Temari making

Japanese Teko-bari (Stroking Needle)

Some Western embroidery techniques require or are assisted by a "laying tool" or a "trolley needle" - both are tapered implements used to align or straighten fibers. In traditional Japanese Embroidery, an artist uses a Teko-bari. While sometimes called "Japanese laying tools", they actually are a bit different. The tekobari is used for accurate laying of parallel threads in place as they are stitched, and was designed for use with silk threads without causing damage to them. Because of this high standard, the tekobari is one of the better tools for any fiber, be it cotton, wool, rayon or other synthetics. As the name implies, the tool is used to "stroke" threads into place, and this allows for very precise positioning and grooming. It was also designed to assist in removing stitches and because of the need in Japanese embroidery and the design of the tekobari, even the smallest stitches can be removed without disturbing the adjacent ones.

Tekobari are made of soft steel, rather than hard or stainless steel, and they are not chrome-plated. They are usually hand-crafted. The soft steel shaft creates a very fine, delicate "drag" on the threads; this allows for precise control and easier handling of the thread. A hard-finish tool doesn't allow this, since the threads slide against the tool rather than moving in place. Yet, it will not damage even the finest theads - remember, these are actually made for working with the finest, highest quality silk thread.

The shaft of the tekobari is finer than a laying tool, with a finer taper and a sharper point. It also made with a very fine burr on the taper, in order to effect that small amount of friction that allows it to "hold" the thread and adjust it. Again, this allows for more precise and accurate use. When in hand, it's balanced and comfortable.

If used with flat threads, the teko bari is placed under the thread loop and stroked in one direction (with the grain of the thread) to guide the stitch into place (in Japanese embroidery, no more than three times because of the delicateness of the silks)

A wonderful part of the design is that the upper section of the piece of steel it is made from is worked to a square. It is rounded as it proceeds to the point. Due to the squared section of the upper shaft, when it's put down on a flat surface, it doesn't roll away.

A friend was able to locate a Tekobari for me, and I have become so attached to it that I have it clipped to my tool lanyard with my scissors. Although being used in temari rather than Japanese embroidery, it lives up to its description and tradition. It's my most valuable stitching tool, and I never work without it. Those that have similarly taken on using them all agree that it's the perfect tool to work temari with.

Since tekobari are made of soft steel, they need to be cared for; It needs to be protected from damage (it's soft steel) and also from moisture - it will rust (remember, it's not stainless steel or does not have a protective coating). Protect the point and shaft, and don't use it for any other purpose than grooming and guiding threads in your temari work. It should not be stored in an air-tight container, since humidity trapped in the air can cause it to rust. While they are an investment, given proper care, it will last through many generations of temari artists.

Tekobari can be difficult to locate outside of Japan. There are also facsimiles on the Western market being sold as "tekobari" or "tekobari-type" tools - and they are usually nothing different than a regular laying tool or trolley needle. Authentic tekobari are obtainable from Ai's Store. (I have no buisiness connection with Ai).