Image credit: Moira Fentum
Tiny Hand-stitched Treasures : Learn to Make Kaga Yubinuki (Traditional Japanese Thimble Rings)
Date: Sunday October 27, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: SaBi Tea Arts, on 16th Avenue at Dunbar in Vancouver
Workshop Fee: $45 (includes all supplies for making two unique yubinuki)
Sign up for our newsletter to enjoy advanced access to programs ahead of the general release date.
Explore the colourful world of Kaga Yubinuki (traditional thimbles from the Kaga region of Japan) as you learn to make your own tiny hand-stitched treasures ahead of the holiday gifting season!
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of how to create their first yubinuki. All supplies will be provided as you are guided through the entire process: from making a mandrel, to building a core, and then learning the simple stitching required to complete an easy, single-colour thimble. Participants will also receive supplies for a second, two-colour yubinuki and the knowledge to continue exploring more advanced designs at home.
Whether intended as a sewing accessory, fashion piece, or simply a beautiful little treasure, yubinuki make excellent gifts (for yourself or someone else) and we hope you will enjoy learning this traditional craft with us!
Basic hand-sewing experience is helpful but not required.
Image credit: Moira Fentum
About Yubinuki:
Ever since sewing became a way of making clothing, people have invented tools to make the task easier and more pleasant. Kaga yubinuki are one of the most beautiful of these practical tools.
The word yubinuki (Yubi 指– finger, Nuku 貫 – to pierce) refers to any sewing thimble, whether it is made of metal, leather or fabric, but Kaga yubinuki are a particular regional style of highly decorative stitched thimble.
Originating in Kaga Province (now partly Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture) during the Edo period, Kaga yubinuki were created from very simple materials used while stitching kimono: paper, leftover sewing threads, and silk floss used to pad the hem of the kimono.
Unlike Western-style thimbles worn over the tip of the finger, wasai (traditional Japanese sewing) thimbles are a ring worn around the middle finger between the knuckles. The network of stitched threads of the Kaga yubinuki securely hold the end of the needle as the user stitches.
Not Just for Sewing!
Image credit: Moira Fentum
Over time, the designs of Kaga yubinuki became more and more elaborate. Today, a wide range of colourful, intricate designs are available using the same simple materials: thread and paper. However, as fewer people sew Japanese style, nowadays yubinuki are often worn as jewellery: a beautiful ring, a pendant hung from a chain or looped on an earring. They can also be used to decorate key chains, tassels and cell phone charms. Your imagination is the limit!
About the Educator:
Moira Fentum is a professional costumer in Vancouver working in the film and theatre industry for nearly 20 years. A longtime interest in Japanese textiles has led her down a path of history, fabric, and art that neatly dovetails with her professional skills. Recently, all of these skills and interests combined as she was part of the costume team for the Vancouver-shot FX / Disney limited series Shōgun.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.