Pojagi
The term “pojagi” can refer to a few different things. It is a Korean word that comes from textile art.
Pojagi can mean wrapping cloth, traditional Korean sewing or reversible patchwork.
Wrapping cloths
In it’s basic form as a noun, a pojagi is a wrapping cloth. That is a piece of fabric that is used to wrap things either to carry them, store them, give as gifts or cover them.
Pojagi wrapping cloths have been used in Korean culture for thousands of years. They are both utilitarian (like pieces used for carrying shopping) and decorative (like ceremonial pieces used in weddings and other special events).
Learn how to make and use wrapping cloths yourself with these tutorials.
Traditional Korean Sewing
Sometimes, the term “pojagi” is used to refer to all the traditional Korean sewing techniques. These methods were used to make wrapping cloths as well as other traditional items.
If you enjoy hand-sewing, I know you will like learning some of these techniques. Even though they are ancient, they might be new to you.
Check out this page to learn more about traditional Korean sewing. You will find tutorials for some of the different hand-stitching techniques, little projects to use the techniques and a gallery of some of the items that I have made using these methods.
Reversible Patchwork
One of the most unusual techniques from traditional Korean sewing is reversible patchwork. This is patchwork in which the seams are finished on both sides, so the raw edges are enclosed. This means that the finished piece is only one layer of fabric – there is no lining or backing.
Often the term “pojagi” is also used to refer to this traditional patchwork.
Although this seam is also used in western garment sewing, I use the term pojagi to refer to the patchwork made with it. This is to respect and honour where it was first developed.
As far as I have been able to discover, Korea was the only culture that widely used this technique of reversible patchwork. If you know of other places it was used, I would love to hear about it.
Tutorials
Although you can sew reversible patchwork by hand (see Traditional Korean Sewing), most modern quilters and sewists would rather stitch by sewing machine.
This collection of reversible patchwork tutorials will help you get started with this fun sewing technique done totally by machine.
Window Hanging Projects
One of the most unusual characteristics of this sewing is what happens when it is viewed in light. Because the seams have many layers of fabric, the light doesn’t shine through them the same way, so it gives a stained glass effect.
Because of this, I love to use this technique in curtains and window hangings.
See these tutorials to make your own stained glass window hanging.
Other Reversible Patchwork Projects
There are other applications for this reversible patchwork technique beyond window hangings. Anytime you want patchwork, but not necessarily a quilt, this is a great option.
Once you start playing with the technique and thinking about it, I know you will have your own ideas. These reversible patchwork project tutorials will give you some ideas to get started.
FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about pojagi in these short videos.
Get a pattern
I have patterns, on-demand video courses and live workshops to help you make your own pojagi projects.
These are some of the most popular ones, but you can see my whole collection at the Epida Studio Shop.
My Story
I am not Korean, so I don’t have all the cultural background and understanding that Korean pojagi artists have.
I had the amazing opportunity to learn pojagi when I lived in Korea with my young family. Since then, I have continued to research and learn.
When I returned to Canada, I had limited availability for the authentic Korean materials, so I began to experiment with things that were more available to me.
Eventually, I developed window hangings. These are made with pojagi-style reversible seams that are sewn by machine. In sunlight, they glow like stained glass. This is what I am most known for today.
Want to hear the whole story? I share it in my guild presentation “Pojagi: from ancient Korea to modern Canada”.
More information
Want to keep learning?
You can learn more about the history of pojagi HERE.
See more pojagi artists and teachers and get links to books and articles on my Pojagi Resources Page.