This is a free tutorial on making Japanese ornamental tops known as Sankakusui-Koma, Sankaku-Koma, Hishi-Koma, Hishi-Kazari in Japan, Dragonboat in China, or Berlingot in France.
In Japan these ornaments symbolize good luck and best wishes. I think they will make perfect small gifts or additions to my gift and gift wrapping this year.
As new special dyes and twists Anaito silk just came in, when I was in the middle of designing this new tutorial for these precious ornaments, I decided to play around with the new colors and they are featured here. I also did some in traditional Christmas colors. See photo below.
Special Twists: left - Summer (Red, Blue and White Mix) with Solid KNK Anaito Color #11
Center - Winter (Grey, Navy, White Mix) with Solid KNK Anaito Color #4
Right - Autumn (Red, Blue, Yellow Mix) with Solid KNK Anaito Color #5
These komas are made by folding rectangular pieces of cardboard into a triangular by-pyramids and covering them by wrapping thread around the 3 dimensional shape. This involves a bit of origami, traditional Japanese thread craft, and just for fun an added tassel.
This tutorial is separated in sections:
Japanese Terms
Koma = Top
Sankaku = Triangle
Sankakusui = Triangular Bi-Pyramid
Hishi = Diamond
Kazari = Decoration
Anaito = Buttonhole Twist
Special Dyes: left - Vivid (Dark Mix) with Solid KNK Anaito Color #85
Middle Left - Pastel (Light Mix) with Solid KNK Anaito Color #17
Middle Right - Hydrangea (Mix) with Solid KNK Anaito Color #11
Right - Maple (Mix) with Solid KNK Anaito Color #5
Here is what you need:
- Chinese Knotting Cord Size E, F or G for Loops
- Cardboard Koma Form (ready made medium size for this tutorial) or make your own
- Extra card stock, plastic bag, rubber bands
- Permanent archival double stick tape (Scotch Brand)
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle (Size 20 to 24)
- Glue, any super glue, or tacky glue will work
Optional - Permanent Markers, Metallic Thread, Temari 100% Silk Thread or other thread, Beads
A Koma Material Bag with all 7 Special Twist and Dye Colors,
6 Solid Anaito Silk Cards, 24 Koma Forms ready to fold,
Chinese Knotting Cord for the loops,
plus a couple of 6 mm beads is available HERE
Or get all the materials separately...
Or get Anaito Silk Colors in Green and Red, and Twisted Metallic Cord, 0.1mm for the wrapping and the 0.4 mm for the loops
The following tutorial was written after making many tops and refining the technique. Even the sequences of steps was changed along the way. Following the instructions step by step will make this project easy and the result will be worth the effort.
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