Dragon Boats

Teacher: Terry Mullen

This month, the Central New York Embroiderers' Guild of America (CNYEGA) is diving into a unique and colorful project: Dragon Boat ornaments. These "happy little things" aren't just for festive occasions; they make wonderful Christmas ornaments, package tie-ons, or vibrant accents to hang around your home.

What is Hishikazari?

While the project is a modern craft, it draws inspiration from traditional techniques like Hishikazari. Traditionally, these diamond-shaped decorations are created through intricate folding or weaving, often seen in Japanese festivals. In this specific project, the technique is used to create a stylized version of a dragon boat—a symbol of strength and community.

The Project Details for Dragon Boats

This easy-to-finish project is based on a classic tutorial published by "Jennifer" in 2009. It is designed to be completed in a single sitting, making it perfect for a guild meeting or a cozy afternoon of stitching.

Needle Art Technique:

• Hishikazari

Materials

• Fibers from your stash. Can be embroidery floss, metallic threads, perle cottons, thin yarns (Note: this will take 2-3 skeins of floss)

Supplies

• Scissors to cut paper

• Xacto knife (if you have one. I will provide if you do not), or some

  instrument to score cardstock

• Small ruler or straightedge

• Scotch tape

• Needle with eye big enough to accommodate your fiber

• Ball headed pins (corsage pins, sewing pins)

• Beads to coordinate with your fibers

Resources:

https://craftsanity.com/2009/12/the-dragon-boat-wrapped-holiday-ornament-tutorial/

Happy Spring and happy stitching! Whether you're a seasoned guild member or a newcomer, these dragon boats are a fantastic way to celebrate the season with the needle arts.

Please add your progress or finished project in the comments!

*Image courtesy of https://craftsanity.com/2009/12/the-dragon-boat-wrapped-holiday-ornament-tutorial/