If you have been following Akai Ito for a while, you may have already noticed our little Temari Balls appearing here and there. They are colourful, embroidered, and made entirely by hand—but what exactly are they?
Let's take a little journey into the history of this beautiful Japanese craft and tell you how Temari became part of Akai Ito.
What does Temari mean?
Temari (手まり) literally means “hand ball” in Japanese. Traditionally, Temari are handmade decorative balls, beautifully wrapped and often intricately embroidered with colourful threads.
Their history goes back centuries. Temari are believed to have developed from a Chinese ball game introduced to Japan, eventually becoming a distinctly Japanese craft. During the Edo period, Temari became particularly associated with women and children and were often made from leftover threads and materials.
Over time, what began as a simple ball or toy evolved into an intricate art form. The beautiful geometric patterns, colourful threads, and incredibly detailed embroidery can turn a simple ball into a miniature work of art.
From Kimono Scraps to Temari
One of the things we love most about Temari is their connection to reuse and craftsmanship.
Historically, materials such as old kimono fabrics and threads could be reused rather than simply thrown away. This idea of giving materials a new life feels very close to the philosophy behind Akai Ito.
It also reminds us of the Japanese concept of mottainai—the feeling that it is wasteful when something with value is thrown away.
And this is where our own Temari Balls begin.
Our Akai Ito Temari Balls
When we make our clothing, there are always small pieces of textile left behind.
We try very hard to minimise this waste through our Zero Waste pattern-making techniques, but there will always be tiny scraps that are too small to become part of another garment.
Instead of throwing them away, we collect them and turn them into our own version of Temari Balls.
The process is completely handmade.
First comes the centre of the ball. We then carefully shape and build it using our small textile leftovers. Threads are wrapped around the surface, creating the rounded shape, before we begin adding the embroidery.
Little by little, the ball transforms.
What was once a tiny piece of fabric that might have been discarded becomes something colourful, playful, and completely unique.
Every Ball Has Its Own Personality
One of the things we enjoy most about making Temari is that no two balls are exactly alike.
The colours, fabrics, threads, and embroidery patterns can change from one ball to another. Sometimes we start with an idea for a colour combination, and sometimes the materials themselves inspire what comes next.
We have created designs such as Pink Rose, North Sky, Blue Daisy, Cream Daisy, Iridescence Star, and Galaxy Rainbow, among others.
Each one has its own little character.
And because they are made from the leftovers of our clothing production, they also carry a small piece of the Akai Ito story with them.
More Than Just a Decoration
Traditionally, Temari have had different meanings and uses throughout Japanese culture. Their beautiful craftsmanship has also made them popular as decorative objects and gifts.
Our Temari Balls are made to be enjoyed in whatever way you choose.
They can become a colourful decoration in your home, a Christmas tree ornament, or even a playful toy for children.
We especially like the idea that something made from a small leftover piece of fabric can continue to have a life beyond the garment it came from.
Why Temari Belong at Akai Ito
For us, making Temari is not simply about creating another product.
It is about connecting different parts of what we believe in.
Japanese culture.
Craftsmanship.
Creativity.
Reducing waste.
And giving materials a second life.
Akai Ito was born from our fascination with Japanese culture and the idea of connection represented by the Red Thread of Fate. Making Temari feels like another little thread connecting our clothing, our materials, our inspiration, and the people who eventually take our creations home.
We may start with a tiny piece of leftover fabric, but with a little patience, thread, and imagination, it can become something completely new.
And perhaps that is what we love most about Temari.
They remind us that even the smallest pieces can still have a story to tell.
A Little Piece of Akai Ito
Our Temari Balls are a small part of our wider effort to make the most of the materials we work with.
We don't believe sustainability has to mean giving up creativity or beauty. Sometimes it simply means looking at something differently.
A tiny scrap of fabric doesn't have to be waste.
It can become a flower, a star, a galaxy—or something we haven't imagined yet.
And that is where the fun begins. 🧵🌸
Follow the thread and discover our Temari collection, handmade from the little pieces left behind in our atelier.
