History & Background information

Although little known outside Japan until about 1986, traditional Japanese embroidery has been an integral part of Japan's culture for over a thousand years. Now refined and perfected far beyond its origins, traditional Japanese embroidery is a unique reflection of a millennium of consensus of thought. Drawing from earlier periods of history, the design motifs and colour schemes have meanings of their own. Appropriate designs and colours are selected according to the age of the wearer, the season of use, or to symbolize traditional themes, legends and classical Japanese literature.

Today this tradition is handed down through the Kurenai-Kai community in Japan, the Japanese Embroidery Center: Kurenai-Kai Ltd. in Atlanta, and Japanese Embroidery UK. Kurenai-Kai in Japan was founded by the late Master Iwao Saito. Together with tutors in Britain, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, they have begun the work of conveying the knowledge and love of this beautiful art to other countries.

Traditional Japanese embroidery is worked with the finest quality silk and metallic threads, almost always on a silk background. The fabric is mounted on a frame which is made according to a design used for over a thousand years. It is held drum-tight and, because of this, tension can be kept on the threads to enhance the shine. The thread is reeled filament silk, used flat or twisted by hand to a variety of sizes and degree of twist. The metallics are Japanese gold or silver in several sizes, twisted around a thread core and held in place on the work by couching with a fine silk thread.

Traditional Japanese Embroidery is taught over an initial ten Phases from basic stitches to the entire range of forty-six basic traditional techniques, such as laying foundations; working veins, stamen and branches, special effects and superimposed work on an embroidered foundation; gold and silver thread work; braided cords; padding; long and short stitch; laying stiches in the weft valleys in silk faille fabric; culminating in the execution of a special work designed to incorporate all these techniques.

There are also larger classes held several times a year, details on our Home Page. These classes are multi level, run for four or five days, depending upon venue, and are either day or residential. These classes are held in spring and autumn.

Japanese embroidery is as much an art as a discipline and some students may find the classes very different from those previously attended. Because of the intricacy of the stitches and the techniques, talking is kept to a minimum so that students may concentrate on their stitching and learn to master the handling of silk and metallic threads in order to achieve the desired beauty. While this quietness may seem strange in the beginning, students often find that this enables them to produce higher quality work than they have previously managed. For students who continue on the path to mastery, the study of Japanese embroidery offers a time for quiet reflection, the opportunity to gain an understanding of the underlying culture and to share the legacy of beauty.

Photo Galleries

Phase 1-5

Phase 6-10

Advanced

Non Phase Design

Embroidery Course Phase Designs

More Japanese Embroidery Designs

Photographs of tutors’ and students’ work, both in progress and completed, can be seen in the other galleries on this page.

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Classes and Shows

Classes 2014


Local wildlife to look out for: Heron, Cormorant and Swan Cygnets

Japan Trip 2006

Contact Us

For class information, events, and advice on designs, silks and all supplies:

Margaret Lewis

Graduate Tutor (1996)
Japanese Embroidery Center: Japanese Embroidery UK

e-mail: japembsensei@hotmail.co.uk

Jane Smith

Authorised Tutor
Japanese Embroidery Center: Japanese Embroidery UK

e-mail: jane@nejiribana.co.uk

In close association with and in support of

JAPANESE EMBROIDERY CENTER
2727 SPALDING DRIVE,
DUNWOODY, ATLANTA,
GEORGIA 30350-4623

TEL: 001 770 390 0617
FAX: 001 770 512 7937

Website: www.japaneseembroidery.com

Costs & Materials

The initial outlay for Phase 1 is relatively high but is inclusive of all the essential equipment as well as the chosen initial design piece and all materials. The majority of the equipment and tools are handmade to specific design and the silk fabric, reeled silks and metallic threads are from Japan and of the highest quality.

For Phase 1 students, there is a facility available to pay for all equipment and materials in instalments over the months preceding the first class.

The initial materials required will be:

Prices are correct as at June 2015 but may change without notice due to market costs, Customs Duty, postage and VAT

Set of metric gridded squares - £5.50 Cotton Velvet for pad - £2.00

To keep your embroidery protected, we also have for sale pure silk frame covers made from exquisite kimono silk. Sizes are for 29" and 39" Japanese embroidery frames.

An alternative design for Phase I is HANAKAGO (Flower Basket)

As Hanazume except for:
15" x 15" silk kimono fabric with 8" x 10",design attached on cotton fabric, lacing thread, design paper, instruction sheet and photograph.
Set of 10 flat silk colours.

Cost for Hanakago Phase I set: £345.10

NB: This is not a commercial enterprise. We are private individuals who study Japanese embroidery and require these items for our own use. The majority of these items are impossible to find in the UK and, having sourced them, we are happy to assist other Japanese embroidery enthusiasts and individuals who wish to study or try Japanese embroidery.

Class Schedule 2024

NEW VENUE IN WEST SUSSEX

At present a new venue is being sought in West Sussex.

In the meantime, tuition may be booked for 1 or 2 people at my home in Rustington.

To arrange please contact Margaret Lewis, japembsensei@hotmail.co.uk

Lytham St. Annes Classes

11-14 April 2024.
This four day class caters for all levels of tuition for both JEA modules and JEC phases and advanced/challenge designs.
Class fee £240.

13-14 April 2024.
A weekend introduction to Traditional Japanese Embroidery designed to give students a brief insight into some of the techniques used in Japanese embroidery.
At the end of the weekend students will have a piece of work which they will be able to complete at home.
Class fee £120

Students may work on after class, but teaching hours are 9.30-4.30.

To book a place for either class, or for more information please contact, info@nejiribana.co.uk

Classes will be held at the Glendower Hotel, Lytham St Annes, 01253 723241.
Rooms should be booked directly with the hotel, please let them know you have booked for the class.

More Information

For class information:

For Bournemouth please ring Margaret Lewis on tel:01903 773451
email japembsensei@hotmail.co.uk

For Lytham St. Annes please contact Jane Smith
email jane@nejiribana.co.uk

LINKS to other interesting sites

www.midori-embroidery.com