Temari Balls

[smallhobbit]

Yesterday I went to a Dare to Dabble session, which we were able to hold outside.  We were making a Temari ball, which is a Japanese craft.

It begins with a polysterene ball which is covered in thread - ours had been precovered which saved half an hour at least.  The first task was to insert marker pins at the north and south pole and then eight pins equally spaced around the equator.  My equator ended up as a bit wavy.



After which threads are placed which run from pole to pole past all the pins on the equator, therefore dividing the ball into eight segments.  A further thread is run round the equator.



After which more pins are placed half way between the equator and the two poles on each of the lines and the first line of pattern is made with thicker thread.



Further lines are added



Until the desired pattern has been achieved.



It is then possible to remove some of the pins, but I left mine in as I felt they added to the decoration.




 

Comments

[badly_knitted]

Very interesting, there's a lot of scope for adding more complex decorations, even covering the whole ball. A good way to make lightweight baubles for Christmas.

[smallhobbit]

Oh yes, mine was only a very basic pattern. Setting it all up takes the time, but you could certainly create some great patterns, especially if you had an idea to start with. Not having done it before I went with something easy.

[badly_knitted]

Always best to start with a simpler design. If you wanted you could always add more at a later date.

I should think covering the balls would be very time consuming if you decided to make more. At least you didn't need to do that part with your first one.

[smallhobbit]

It's not something I'm particularly drawn to, but I'm glad I've had a go.