5 Kokeshi dolls (Chart & Tutorial)
CROSS STITCH PATTERN READY TO DOWNLOAD, DESIGNED BY GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka

 

Here is an adorable series of miniature cross-stitch dolls, inspired by Japanese kokeshi. These traditional dolls of northern Japan were made through a wood-turning process - so they have a skittle-shape, with just a head and a cylindrical body. The wood was brightly painted, in red and black with ocasional additional colors. Particular attention was paid to the head, in particular the faces, hairstyles and hair accessories.

 

For these needlework kokeshi, Japanese designer Kyoko Maruoka (GERA!) applies the same principle of a round head placed on a cylindrical body. She has developed a very clever process for making the head and the body and mounting them together. A 4-page step-by-step tutorial, with photos at each stage comes with cross stitch chart.

 

The stitching, basically cross stitch with a few details in backstitch, is pretty straightforward.

 

The height of each doll is about 8cm. You can showcase your dolls standing on a small shelf or place them in a shadow-box with printed Japanese washi paper in the background. Alternatively it's a lot of fun to fix each doll on a strap so you can hang it wherever you like: on a pouch zipper, on your scissors, on a cell phone...

 

Warning: Once you've completed your dolls you might have to start all over again. We wouldn't be surprised if some of your friends started asking you for some too!

 

A cross stitch pattern by GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka.

>> see more patterns by GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka
 

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Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
5 Kokeshi dolls

Chart size in stitches: each doll 30 x 50 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: Aida, Linen or Evenweave
Size: about  7 cm / 3 inch high
Stitches: Cross stitch, Backstitch,
Chart: Color
Threads: DMC
Number of colors: 6

Other supplies: metal ring, padding, small bolt

Themes: a cross stitch version of the Japanese dools traditionally made through a process of wood turning and then brightly painted
 

>> see more patterns by GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka
>> see all Japanese patterns (all designers)
 

All patterns on Creative Poppy's website are printable and available for instant download.
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