Chirimen FAQs

What tools and materials are included in the Chirimen Course?

• You will find everything you need for creating the five motifs in the Chirimen Course package (an iron is the only tool you need to prepare yourself). You will also have an account information with lifetime access to the tutorial videos and texts.

I’m new to the whole sewing world.

• If you are a total beginner of hand sewing, pick a scrap piece of cloth and practice making a knot, and then do some backstitch before you actually start your project. You are going to be surprised at how good you get once you get the hang of it! If you do not understand any part of the video or text instruction, please email us. Our instructor will be happy to assist you.

What does "chirimen" mean?

• Chirimen is the Japanese name for the fabric with crimps on the surface (often silk), typically used in kimonos. The art of Chirimen transforms mere scraps of this textured crepe fabric into adorable, hand-sewn pouches and ornaments.

Are patterns included?

• Yes, there is a full-size pattern for each of the five motifs. The patterns are printed on thick transparent sheets which will be handy when you put them on a printed piece of fabric. You can see the print of the fabric through!Are patterns included?

What is the Clover Tool Set? What are in it?

• In the Chirimen Course package, a set of six high quality sewing tools from Clover Needlecraft Inc is included. They are more than $85 value.
• Clover Tools Set:
• Clover Gold Eye Appliqué Needles (No. 9)
• Patchwork Board
• Silk Pins Boxed (100 ea.)
• Patchwork Scissors Mini (4 1/2")
• Bodkin
• Clover Bond For Handicraft

What is the finished size of each motif?

• Daisy-Patterned Makeup Bag 4.5 x 8.0 inches
• Gamaguchi Coin Purse 4.0 x 3.5 inches
• Plum Blossom Pincushion 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.0 inches
• Dove Jewelry Pouch 4.0 x 6.5 x 2.0 inches
• Kuma : Stuffed Bear 4.0 x 5.5 x 2.0 inches

what is the difficulty level of each motif?

• Daisy-Patterned Makeup Bag Intermediate
• Gamaguchi Coin Purse Intermediate
• Plum Blossom Pincushion Intermediate
• Dove Jewelry Pouch Advanced
• Kuma : Stuffed Bear Advanced

You can start with any motif you feel like, however we think the Daisy-Patterned Makeup Bag is best for the first timers because it has many straight lines and few tiny parts.

About the course instructor Nobuko Naito.

• Nobuko Naito is a popular creator of Chirimen crafts. She first encountered Chirimen crafts through her mother-in-law. Since then, she has worked to recover traditional techniques and pieces while also proactively seeking to create pieces that are more rooted in modern culture. Along with holding many exhibitions in Japan, the recent exhibitions she has held in the United Kingdom have also proven to be successful. She has also had numerous TV appearances and writing credits to her name, and also held the “Nobuko Naito Chirimen Classroom” across Japan.