a collection of tutorials for traditional pojagi

These techniques have been around for thousands of years. Use them to make wrapping cloths or other projects.

Scroll down for fabric suggestions and project ideas.

Seam Techniques

There are two main types of seams used in pojagi projects – lined and unlined.

Lined pojagi seam

Lined pojagi is similar to western quilting. Raw edges of seams are pressed to the inside and there is a backing to hide them. They may or may not have a batting depending on the purpose of the piece.

This seam is similar to English paper piecing, but the stitching is on the outside of the piece.

Unlined pojagi seam

Unlined pojagi is just a single layer of fabric and is reversible. The seams are totally finished on both sides, so there are no raw edges exposed.

This seam is useful for window hangings, wearables and any time only one layer of fabric is wanted.

Embellishments

There are many embellishments that are unique to pojagi. They are fun to try and can be used in all different types of patchwork and embroidery.

Bat knot

The bat knot embellishment can be used in many different ways.

Triple backstitch

Triple backstitch is a common decorative stitch.

Pinch stitch

Pinch stitch adds both colour and 3-dimensional texture to the piece.

Edge stitch

Edge stitch is both decorative and functional.

Tools

There are only a few basic tools for pojagi. You need a small ruler, pins, needles, scissors, and most of all a Hera marker. A Hera marker is used to crease the fabric for easy folding. Once you try it, you will probably think of all different types of uses in other sewing and crafts as well.

Fabrics

Pojagi has been around for thousands of years, so it was originally hand stitched with natural fibres.

The fabrics used varied from large pieces of specially embroidered silk that might have been used by an aristocrat or small pieces of coarse ramie patched together by a peasant.

In the west, it can be difficult to find Korean silk or ramie, so other types of silk and linen are good substitutes. The main thing to look for in fabric is that it can hold a crease well. This is a problem with most polyesters. The same traits that make them great to wear without wrinkling make them difficult to use in pojagi.

See this post to learn more about traditional Korean fabrics.

Thread

Threads should match the weight of the fabric. If you are using fine silk fabric, fine silk thread is the best choice. I personally don’t use the super-fine silk thread that is used for machine quilting. It is too fine for hand work. Something like size 30 or 16 is best.

If you are using ramie or linen, Perle cotton is a great choice. For light handkerchief linen, use size 12 or 8. For coarser linen, use size 5. Try samples and see what you like. In the end, it’s your project, so see what you like.

In traditional pojagi, the stitching is part of the design, so it is normal to use a contrasting colour of thread so they are very visible.

Projects

If you want to try these techniques in small projects, these will be a great place to start:

Samosa ornament

The samosa ornament can be used as a Christmas ornament or a pattern weight.

Book cover

The book cover can be customized to any sized notebook.

Star ornament

The star ornament is easy to make.

Circle ornament

The circle ornament is an easy project that uses multiple techniques.

Tree coaster

This tree coaster can be used for Christmas or any time of year.

Bookmark

This bookmark contains a few different techniques in one small project.

Gallery

Get more inspiration in my traditional pojagi gallery.