Grab your popcorn and settle down to watch this how-to video (that was created in preparation) for the Learn the Traditional Korean Art of Bojagi, 30 Jun, 2:30 session at the 2023 KAAN Conference. This video is to allow first timers who are new to sewing (hand sewing with a needle) to learn some of the basic techniques, which will prepare you to hopefully complete a bojagi project during our 40 min. allotted session.
I show you how to used two different types of needle threaders (which you will be receiving one of those types in your kits), how to create a hem/seam allowance with your mosi material, how to make a slip knot, the whipstitch technique, how to knot off a line of stitching, and how to finish the actual bojagi ornament project, which is one of the kits available for purchasing at the conference. My goal is that, if you happen to have any of these items at home (a needle, thread and some material), that you would be able to practice prior to our session so that you are able to feel confident in starting your first bojagi project. I need to stress to everyone that I am teaching this as a left-handed individual and somethings may be seem backwards to you; but you know what needs to be accomplished and so practice to achieve that... be it a slip knot, a whip stitch that goes all the way across a seam that is uniform in the spacing in the front and back of your piece of material, or knotting off. If you practice so that you are comfortable with the needle and materials in your hand, accomplishing a finished bojagi project is attainable, if not at the session, for sure by conference end. We don't want anyone lost or frustrated, so I encourage everyone to do a little practicing or refresher for those who do sew but haven't done it in a while prior to the session.
As a side note: There will be 2 different bojagi patterned kits (the ornament and the coaster) available for purchase @ $10/kit (cash preferred) at the session or at the conference store. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to 2 non-profit organizations; KAAN and Maxtivity (which is a non-profit organization based in Corvallis, OR, that specializes in art therapy for underprivileged and special needs youth throughout their 5 local schools).
I hope that after watching the video you are excited for this session and come eager to start another journey in learning about your Korean culture that will connect you to Korea in more ways than one!