Japanese quilting patterns. DIY Japanese patchwork: diagrams, master class

What is patchwork?

Patchwork - patchwork sewing. One of the oldest types of needlework, which is still popular in many countries. Each culture has its own characteristics and its own approach to patchwork. One of the most unique types of patchwork came to us from Japan.

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The Japanese used the patchwork technique primarily to save money. Sewing products were an expensive pleasure and were treated with great care. And patchwork sewing was particularly durable - after all, a torn scrap could easily be replaced with another.

Japanese patchwork in the modern world

Now Japanese patchwork can hardly be called an economical needlework, since the materials that are used specifically for this type of patchwork are quite expensive, but this technique is still loved by many. Japanese patchwork is not limited to blankets or home decor. Professional craftsmen can make unusual bags, wallets, cosmetic bags and even toys.

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Distinctive features of Japanese patchwork

Japanese patchwork is distinguished not only by its technical side, but also by its philosophical side. The craft, designed to simplify people's lives, over time became a real art with its own aesthetics and ideology.

Approach to the matter

In Japanese culture, peace of mind and self-knowledge through meditation are very important. The approach to needlework in the Land of the Rising Sun is also unique. You will not find a master who uses machine stitches - handwork is considered an important distinguishing feature of Japanese patchwork. True connoisseurs are very sensitive to this feature of needlework. Japanese patchwork is a rather painstaking process, so it requires calm and patience, giving you the opportunity to find peace while doing what you love.

Unlike other countries, in Japan it is customary to use natural fabrics - silk rags or Japanese cotton. In China and Europe, patchwork masters usually take cotton scraps for work.

Images

The paintings made from scraps depict mainly natural motifs, and the colors of the fabrics are calm and neutral.

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A very important feature of Japanese patchwork is the characteristic hand stitches - sashiko.

This is a method of stitching pieces with the needle forward. Initially, the stitch was widely used in sewing quilted clothing. This technique is relevant not only for joining flaps, but also for embroidering decorative details of a product. Japanese culture is full of symbolism, and sometimes the patterns made by masters carry a certain meaning.

Applications

The Japanese patchwork technique is distinguished by appliqués. If in European patchwork fabrics are usually sewn together in their original form, Japanese patchwork masters decorate products with various hand-made appliqués and create a whole composition from their creations, sometimes with an independent plot. Applications in Japanese patchwork can be completely different; craftsmen often use additional materials to give the product an interesting look. These could be, for example, ribbons or buttons. It is characteristic that the colors of the appliqués are usually also calm; there are almost no too bright patterns in Japanese patchwork.

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@japanquilt.ru @handmadetravel.ru Learning Japanese patchwork. Expert advice

Japanese patchwork is an interesting, original type of patchwork that requires special patience and endurance. If you are captivated by non-standard needlework, you should first listen to a professional. Japanese patchwork master Olga Abakumova shared with us basic tips for beginners.

What materials are best to study with?

Japanese cotton is the best material for working in this technique, but if it is not possible to purchase it, any natural fabric will do.

A leather thimble and a thin needle number 11 or 12 will definitely come in handy for this work.

Where to start?

First of all, you need to look at the works of the masters. The best option would be to see everything live, touch the products and blanks, and understand what you have to work with. Next, you should learn how to make confident, beautiful seams with small stitches. Before tackling large items, get your hands on simple work.

How to make stitches using the sashiko technique?

Beautiful and stylish things that claim to be works of art can be created using the simplest and most affordable materials. Fabrics are a common element in needlework. They are used in the process of embroidery, creating clothing and decorative elements. They are also used in such a type of craftsmanship as Japanese patchwork.

Beautiful and stylish things that claim to be works of art can be created using the simplest and most affordable materials

The history of the emergence of this trend in needlework is associated with the need to save and rationally use fabrics, since the cost of the material was high.

At its core, patchwork is patchwork, which over time, from a simple home craftsmanship that allows you to create things necessary in everyday life, has grown into a direction of modern art, actively used by famous designers.

Do-it-yourself plaids or blankets, which are based on scraps and scraps of fabric, have inspired not only fashion designers, but also manufacturers. That is why modern factories produce fabrics that imitate scraps sewn together.

This actively developed in England, where the quality of work was so high that the products attracted the attention of connoisseurs of beauty around the world. In other countries, including Russia, products made from scraps were also present in homes, allowing them to save fabric and at the same time decorate the interior.

The Japanese variety of patchwork deserves special attention. In this country, rags were used not only to create necessary household items, but also became the basis for meditation and quality, complete rest, as the technique grew from ordinary sewing into a creative process.

The Japanese variety of patchwork deserves special attention

Japanese patchwork differs from European patchwork - the work is done slowly, fabrics are specially selected to avoid sharp contrasts and incorrect combinations of colors and shades.

Japanese patchwork: difference from Chinese and English

Japan did not immediately become the standard for this type of craftsmanship. Patchwork developed here gradually, absorbing the best elements of Chinese and English trends. The traditional robes of monks were also reflected in the works. One of the distinctive features of Japanese style sewing is a special stitch. It is performed in such a way as to reliably connect several layers of fabric, forming geometric patterns or silhouettes on finished products - clothes, bedspreads, pillowcases. Stitching was also used when there was a need to repair old clothes.

Japan did not immediately become the standard for this type of craftsmanship

A traditional Japanese household item, a futon (mattress), was made using this sewing technique. Since fabrics were expensive, worn areas were repaired with new patches, as a result of which the products looked like new and were quite suitable for further use. Also a distinctive feature of Japanese technology is the use of special wooden planks during work. They helped create paintings from scraps, making the finished products look like real works of art.

Differences

Despite the fact that, regardless of the chosen technique, the finished ones look beautiful and stylish, the Japanese version has a number of features and distinctive features that do not allow the patchwork to be confused with Chinese or English:

• Special stitches are used;
• The technique of joining patchwork (traditional) and fastening elements with stitches at the same time is used;
• The main paintings on the products are natural motifs (flowers and fields);
• Images of flowers and plants are arranged in geometric shapes;
• The main fabrics used in the work are silk (the English version is cotton);
• In the process of work, a special embroidery technique is used, called sashiko, performed using the “needle forward” technique.

The craftsman will definitely decorate the product with tassels or fringe, which allows the product to look not only beautiful, but also truly rich. Also, applique is characteristic of Japanese patchwork - it helps to complement the overall picture created from the patches. Modern craftsmen use sewing machines for their work.

Master class on Japanese applique (video)

Japanese patchwork: master class for beginners - stylish DIY things

Creating an item in the patchwork style is not difficult. If the Japanese version of execution is chosen, then a space opens up before a person where creativity and self-expression are welcomed.

One of the necessary items in everyday life is a fabric wallet (cosmetic bag). To make it you will need:

• Scheme;
• Fabric (you can use cotton);
• Floss (thread);
• Non-woven fabric;
• Sintepon (thin);
• Pins;
• Soap or chalk;
• Threads for stitching;
• Zipper (for fastening);
• Decoration elements (lace, buttons, pearls).

The fabric that is the main one must be clean and well ironed.

Stages of work

• Transfer the pattern onto the prepared fabric (using chalk or soap);
• Carefully cut out all the details of the front and back parts (it is important to make a seam allowance of about 5-7 cm);
• Sew all the elements together;
• Press the seams with an iron;
• Cut a rectangle from non-woven fabric and padding polyester (it should be larger in size than the main part;
• Using pins, attach the rectangle to the main element of the product;
• Sew all stitches and details;
• Fasten the zipper at the top;
• Decorate the products using elements prepared for this purpose.

It's easy to create a patchwork item

As you can see, there are no difficulties in this work. The main condition is no rush. The Japanese style is aimed at relaxation and complete relaxation - it is important to remember this before starting the process of creating a patchwork product.

Types of Japanese patchwork, technique

You can create beautiful and unusual things using the Japanese patchwork technique by choosing one of several popular types:

• Poyagi (appeared in Korea, but is also used in Japan);
• Patchwork;
• Application;
• Sashiko.

A technique that originated in England – quilting – is also actively used.

Belts made by stitching two layers of fabric. In the original version, it was assumed that packaging fabric would be used. Later it was replaced with silk. The main thing you need to do is sew 2 layers of fabric.

You can create beautiful and unusual things using the Japanese patchwork technique by choosing one of several popular types

Patchwork- a traditional type of handicraft used in Japan. The fabric elements are selected harmoniously - the color or shade, pattern or symbol must match. The most valuable thing is the seamless way to create products or real paintings. The main essence of the technique is to use a smooth board on which the outline of the future design is applied. Grooves are cut along the contour to hold the fabric. After this, you need to select patches that correspond to the given theme (they must match in color, size and shape). They should be tucked into the slots. Modern craftsmen use foam plastic instead of planks.

Applications- a technique very popular in Japan. The flaps are selected according to the existing pattern. You need to create a blank from paper, then from fabric, only after that carefully sew it in the place where it is required according to the author’s idea. These can be houses, trees, crowns, flowers or various geometric shapes, moles (balls). Particular attention should be paid to the selection of colors - they should be contrasting, but there is a nuance here - in Japan it is gray and white, brown and beige.

Japanese style patchwork: patterns

There is a variety of ready-to-use circuits available. You can pick them up on special resources dedicated to needlework, or create them yourself. The second option will allow you to fully unleash your creative potential, since you will need to not only select fabrics and suitable colors, but also develop a sketch of the future product, which will require full dedication from the person.

If the choice of flooring is the Japanese style in patchwork, then it is important to remember the priorities that exist in the work - muted shades, nature themes, a harmonious environment that allows you to create privacy. The elements are connected using neat stitches, so in the end you can see not just a textile item, but a work of art. Experienced craftsmen perform stitching so that the stitches are almost invisible. The patterns include not only traditional bedspreads, blankets or tablecloths, but also items of clothing and various accessories.

Japanese patchwork: bags (video)

The desire to realize one’s creative abilities introduces a person to various types of needlework. Patchwork is one of the most unusual and also economical, since it is based on scraps of fabric. The available diagrams will help you start the learning process or create unique things that will decorate any interior. Japanese patchwork, in turn, is a way to learn more about the traditions and culture of this country.

If you are a beginner needlewoman, then this article will be useful for you. We will help you understand what the Japanese patchwork technique is and show you a master class.

Quilting is an ancient art, and no one can say the year and place of its birth. Craftswomen tried to save on material costs, so they made things, bags, toys, etc. from leftover materials. Previously, sewing from rags was considered a craft of the poor, but in our time it is a beauty and a labor-intensive task.

Japan and shreds

Patchwork began with the clothes of monks. Religious communities did not have money for new clothes, so patches were put over the holes and quilted. This is where the quilting technique came from. Afterwards, similar sewing was used in military clothing.

The Japanese living in cities and villages did not accept such art until the crisis came. When factories could not provide residents with clothes due to the ban on importing fabrics from China, they had to sew from leftovers. Gradually, patchwork became a national tradition.

Thus, the Japanese not only repair clothes, but also decorate and decorate.

Features of national art

The Japanese have an unusual way of sewing; they don’t just sew rags, but create pictures on things. Fabrics are selected from silk or cotton, printed and textured. This choice is made deliberately so that the stitching appears three-dimensional.

Japanese handicraft is highly valued because it is exclusively manual labor that requires long perseverance. A machine cannot make patchwork masterpieces.

The main difference between the art of the eastern state and the rest is the use of stitches, which make the sewing structure strong. Stitches also provide decoration.

In the modern Eastern world, patchwork needlework helps to relax, meditate and let go of all heavy thoughts.

Modernity and shreds

Time moves forward, and changes come in national handicrafts. In recent years, craftswomen have been adding beads, seed beads, tassels, etc. to their creations. This adds more interest to the products of all designers in Europe and the entire civilized world.

Eastern talents and business

Gone are the days when patchwork was a sign of poverty. In the 21st century, such a labor-intensive occupation is highly paid. Craftswomen all over the world can study this art direction, and the hobby can develop into a profitable business.

But practice and skill are important, so give your work on all birthdays. Let word of mouth spread.

The fashion for things made with your own hands will not go away in the coming centuries! After all, almost all of Europe fell in love with things of this technology.

Reconnecting with nature

Since ancient times, the Japanese have tried to live in harmony with nature, reflecting this in their art. And often the embroidered paintings have a floral motif. Even geometric shapes create beautiful leaves and flowers. People, houses, and animals are less often depicted. The colors of the fabrics are selected in calm shades.

Art and futon

A futon is a mattress that has been a classic in the home since ancient times. The Japanese do not spend money on repairing such things, but cover them with scraps so as not to throw them away, because they believe that things should have a second life.

Therefore, traditionally futons look attractive, some are embroidered like paintings.

Yosegire

This interesting word denotes one branch of oriental patchwork. It was invented by the Japanese in order to wisely circumvent the ban on wearing expensive fabrics. Women sewed clothes from cotton, but with pieces of silk, as if hiding it.

Over time, this type of creativity has become the face of the country and the fashionable trend of crazy patchwork.

Sashiko

To master this skill, you need to know what sashiko is. This is the Japanese “forward needle” embroidery technique, which reveals the whole secret of unusual things. The stitches are decorative, despite the fact that they were used to sew military armor.

The evenness of the stitches is not as important as their uniform size. It is by the latter criterion that the skill of a needlewoman is assessed.

You can watch a detailed video master class of the sashiko technique below:

Yo-yo

This is another Japanese patchwork technique. The bottom line is that small remnants of matter are used, which are shaped like a circle and a square. The details can be sewn on as decoration, or they can be stitched together.

There are several main areas of this technique:

1. Stylization. Mostly these are toys.
2. Decoration in the form of flowers. You can decorate everything: curtains, clothes, pillows. The interior with such things becomes more noble.
3. Mosaic. Elements sewn together, most often bedspreads, decorative pillowcases, tablecloths, etc.

Patterns and details will be easy to make, because there are only 2 forms.

• finished size x 2 + 1 = part size;
• Using this formula, you can calculate the length (width) of the side for a square shape.

Some craftswomen manage to make yo-yos from hexagons and ovals.

What you can do in the style of Japanese patchwork

This is exactly the kind of handicraft when there are no restrictions:

• bags, cosmetic bags;
• paintings, applications;
• pillows;
• blankets, bedspreads, blankets;
• cloth;
• rugs;
• bed sheets;
• upholstery of upholstered furniture;
• omiyage;
• small interior and decorative items.

Kinusaiga

I would like to pay special attention to this type of applied creativity. This is all also sewing from small remnants of fabric, but without a needle. In this case, a wooden board is added to the tools, where the “sticking” of fabrics will take place.

This is a young art that appeared at the end of the 20th century. The idea came to a Japanese woman who, out of love for nature, did not want to throw away her kimono. She simply started making paintings that those around her liked so much.

This direction has support among women in many countries. Because of this, development is constantly happening. They create landscapes, portraits, just paintings .

In order for the work to be 100% successful, the stencil is initially recreated. Next, the drawing needs to be transferred to the panel where the painting will be.

Modern craftswomen use foam plastic instead of wood. Because it is more convenient in every sense: softness, accessibility.

In this direction of patchwork, patterns are also needed. Depending on the base, it depends how much you need to increase the size of the pattern. For foam plastic, the elements at the edges are cut 1 cm larger.

And for a wooden base, just a couple of ml. This difference arises due to the softness of the material, because you cannot stick 1 cm into wood.

Now you can begin the process: manually assembling all the fabric parts and “sticking” them into the base.

This is how masterpieces are born.

Japanese patchwork: a fashionable direction of patchwork sewing

Japanese masters have reached unprecedented heights in the field of patchwork. It is still impossible to say with one hundred percent accuracy which country gave the world patchwork. It is believed that England was the ancestor of this needlework. Indeed, English patchwork is considered the most famous trend. But once you become interested in Japanese technology, it is difficult to remain indifferent to it.

Japanese patchwork

Today, Japanese patchwork is somewhat of a counterbalance to traditional patchwork. And the point here is not that the Japanese changed patchwork. It’s just that in general their art is distinguished by concentration, solitude, and relaxation. By being creative, a Japanese person relaxes; this is a kind of work on oneself, one’s inner state. Chinese and Korean patchwork is similar to this plot of Japanese sewing, but American patchwork, for example, differs significantly.

Japanese patchwork replaces the usual color contrasts in ordinary patchwork with smooth color transitions.

From Japanese magazines and the numerous photos in them, you can understand what the beauty of this particular technique is.

Japanese-style patchwork is characterized by the use of several techniques simultaneously

Japanese patchwork – features:

• The basis of the fabric is silk, but, of course, you can also use ordinary cotton scraps;
• Sashiko is a proprietary technique of Japanese embroidery, which is distinguished by the “forward needle” stitch;
• Japanese-style items are often decorated with fringes and tassels;
• Japanese patchwork uses both stitches and elements of patchwork itself.

Any master class includes training in the same sashiko technique. Sashiko is the hallmark of Japanese patchwork. Sashiko was originally used for thick quilts and outerwear. After this, sashiko was even used in the manufacture of armor.

However, this stitch is decorative. And a master class on teaching this technique will definitely be interesting, because the “forward needle” stitch is used. Moreover, straight lines are not required, but the same stitch length is encouraged.

Japanese Quilt Festival (video)

Japanese patchwork: stylish things

If you look at photos of examples of Japanese patchwork, you will immediately want to find patterns and add these very things to your handicraft collection.

One of the distinctive patchwork techniques is yosegire. It has an interesting history, which was based on the fact that Japanese women were once forbidden to appear in expensive fabrics. And really exquisite outfits had to be hidden under cheap clothes. But for the craftswomen, here too it was necessary to show their class, and they learned to show expensive fabrics fragmentarily, a little at a time.

In Japanese patchwork, preference is given not to cotton fabrics, but to silk

The trick caught on and became a separate patchwork technique; unusual patterns and whole pictures began to be formed from scraps. They intertwined with sashiko and became the face of Japanese patchwork. Stylish items made using this technique have become so popular that they are considered the basis of the crazy patchwork trend, which is very fashionable today.

Crazy patchwork is a technique whose task is to decorate the product with patches so that it seems that it is decorated with precious stones or elegant embroidery.

Japanese bag in patchwork style

Just look at the photo, Japanese bags made using the patchwork technique are an original, bright accessory that will definitely make you the most noticeable lady at any event. These are bright, colorful, cozy bags, real jewelry work.

A master class on making such a bag will help you figure out where to start with your first steps - the technology has many difficulties. Schemes and patterns can be obtained from Japanese magazines.

By the way, bags in the same crazy patchwork pattern are the most fashionable accessory. The photo gallery shows how bright and interesting such stylish handbags can be. They show how modern and youthful modern sewing can look.

The Sashko technique involves embroidery with a “forward needle” stitch.

Interesting details of this bag:

• Weaving patchwork with knitted details, embroidery;
• Lots of braid, beads, beads;
• Volumetric details;
• If the product is variegated, then this variegation is quite orderly.

Japanese handbags are also distinguished by their unusual shape, and if you look at magazines, you can see that the shape is sometimes as bright as the patchwork pattern itself.

Japanese patchwork: applique, patterns

Most often, a master class is requested on the topic “Applique”. Indeed, sewing appliques is not only interesting, but also the most productive activity. You can use different techniques here, and patterns are easy to find. The same Japanese magazines will provide both photos and descriptions of the work.

The peculiarity of Japanese patchwork is that the craftsmen do not use sewing machines: the quilts are assembled and quilted exclusively by hand

Application in Japanese patchwork is:

• Cute patterns with small details;
• Calm colors;
• Inclusion of additional elements (for example, buttons);
• Preference for pastel colors or primary colors;
• Use of applications even on small things - cases and cosmetic bags.

Applique is one of the most striking techniques of Japanese patchwork, which is why this technique has so many fans. Pillows, napkins, handbags, bedspreads, and panels turn out stylish, bright, and sophisticated.

Boro technology bag (video master class)

Looking at the photos of works in Japanese patchwork, you want to watch more than one master class and try yourself in this needlework. Indeed, it was Japanese technology that gave patchwork a lot of interesting things. Well, if you follow the philosophy of Japanese creativity, along with artistic skills you can learn perseverance, patience, and the ability to concentrate.

Japanese patchwork (photo)

Similar materials

Patchwork, or patchwork, simultaneously originated almost all over the world. Initially, the goal was to save fabric and use its remnants. But now this direction has turned into a real section of art. Products using this technique have become not only beautiful decorations, they are also shown at exhibitions. Japanese patchwork has become one of the popular trends; for beginners it is no more difficult than English.

The main difference is the forward stitch and the use of silk instead of cotton. Japanese craftswomen also never use sewing machines - they work exclusively by hand, which is why they get an individual and unique item. In the English style, appliqué is practically not used, but in Japan it is a well-known technique.

Scope of use

Initially, scraps were used to repair clothes. But now you can find many things in this technique. Designers make furniture, jewelry, bags, sew curtains and cushion covers. There are many schemes by which you can repeat the work of the masters.

A separate variety includes collecting paintings from pieces of fabric. Sometimes the work is so well done that people confuse it with silk painting. It is all decorated with natural and geometric ornaments, houses and rice fields. Tassels are often sewn along the edge.

Sashiko stitch and yosegire sewing

One of the features was, as we already mentioned, the stitch. It was initially used only in Japanese patchwork. It's called sashiko, it's a thin dotted stitch. All stitches should be the same length. They can be found on both contrasting and plain fabrics. The technique is used not only for connecting patches, but also for decoration.

According to the Shinto religion, every thing is animate. This special attitude was transferred to the fabric. Good silk for a Japanese woman was equivalent to jewelry, so ordinary classes were not allowed to wear expensive clothes. Then the trade guilds came up with the idea of ​​sewing pieces of good fabric for outfits. The idea was called yosegire - patchwork. Now it has been adapted to create many stylish things.

Hot stand

Today in this master class we propose to make a useful thing for the kitchen - a hot stand.

Get a base fabric (36x36 centimeters). Decide immediately what color scheme the finished product should be in. For stuffing, take padding polyester (33x33 centimeters). The design will consist of six fabric strips (90×4).

Using a pre-cut triangular cardboard template, compose the design, leaving half a centimeter of allowance. You can use the photo as a guide or use your own version. The eight triangles must be isosceles with an angle of 45°. Fold the napkin layout, sew and iron.

Cut two squares in half and sew at the corners. Now trim the edges and fold all three layers. There should be a padding polyester between the pattern and the base. After carefully wrapping it, sew up the edge.