Modern pojagi patchwork is different from normal quilting. The finished piece is a reversible single layer of fabric with no raw edges or seam allowances exposed.
It is based on traditional pojagi – an ancient Korean fibre art. Women of the past used fabric to make wrapping cloths to protect and store household items. Sometimes they were whole cloth or embroidered, but often they were patchwork made of clothing scraps.
Today pojagi has moved beyond wrapping cloths and the techniques are used for many items – both functional and decorative.
If you are making window hangings with this technique, I recommend using batik fabric. It is easy to work with and readily available in any colour you could wish for. In sunlight, it glows like stained glass.
In pojagi, contrasting thread is normally used. The stitching is part of the design and is meant to be seen, not hidden. It is quite common to use a high contrast colour. If that bothers you, feel free to use matching thread.
If you are joining pieces that have seams in them, it will be easier to use the regular pojagi patchwork seam method.
If you are just joining pieces of fabric, this simple method will save some steps.
1. Stitch
Have one of the fabrics sticking out about 3/16″. Don’t worry about measuring because it doesn’t have to be exact. Just make it a hair under 1/4”.
Stitch the seam about 1/4” from the edge of the inner fabric. Again, the 1/4″ seam doesn’t have to be exact, so don’t stress over it. Close enough really is good enough for this. It’s more important to try to keep the edges of the fabric and the stitching line parallel.
2. Fold & Press
Press the seam allowance down over the raw edges of the shorter piece. Be careful not to burn your fingers! If you have trouble with the iron, the other method of this seam will be better.
3. Open & Press
Press the seam open, being careful not to disturb the seam allowances that were already pressed.
4. Stitch
Topstitch right along the edge of the folded seam allowance. If you feel more comfortable, you can use an edge stitching foot to help, but with practice you will just be able to eyeball it.
You’re done!
On one side of the finished piece, you see two stitching lines. On the other side, you only see one stitching line, but the seam is finished on both sides. All the raw edges are tucked away inside.
If you do garment sewing, this seam might look familiar to you as it’s basically a flat fell seam. Using this in patchwork will open a world of possibilities.
Elizabeth DeCroos
designer, teacher, speaker
Elizabeth enjoys doing all types of sewing and needlework and teaching others new techniques. For more information or to have her speak to your group click HERE.
