This embroidered temari ball, approximately 3.5″ in diameter, is wrapped in deep lavender thread and stitched in bands of lavender perle cotton, with gold metallic sprays and accents. 

Materials: foam ball wrapped with fine wool and then thread, embroidered with metallic thread and perle cotton

Dimensions: approximately 3.5″ diameter

Temari balls are lovely alone or in a grouping, displayed in a basket or bowl, or they may be hung. If you want to hang your temari ball, please specify “with hanging loop” as an option when ordering.

Temari balls originated in China and were brought to Japan around 600 ad. Originally made from salvaged silk scraps and threads unraveled from discarded kimonos, temari balls were first used as children’s toys. Later, as less expensive cotton stuffing and cotton yarns and threads became more widely available, the popularity of temari spread, and gradually they evolved into elegant decorations and ornaments. Elaborate, colorful patterns illustrating local customs or derived from nature developed, including flowers, pine needles, streams, shooting stars, fireworks, ocean waves, and fishing nets. Complex geometric designs of interlocking squares, triangles, diamonds, and pentagons are also popular. Today, a temari ball is considered a very special gift, to be presented on an auspicious occasion to a beloved friend or family member.

India Tresselt of Yarndance – Westford, Vermont, USA

My temari balls are informed and inspired by traditional designs, but my use of traditional elements combined with my own color and design sense and innovations make each of my temari balls an original, unique work of art.

I am a fiber artist from the Champlain Valley of northwestern Vermont. Knitting, temari balls, embroidery, color, and fiber are my passions. My work may also be found on my website, on Facebook, and on Instagram.