Korean Patchwork Quilting. Choi Yangsook

      The single-layer bojagi made entirely from white linen and/or hemp pieces feels crisp and fresh. The vertical and horizontal straight seams evoke a street map.

       Piecework: 37” x 37” (94 x 94 cm) ❖ Fabric: ramie ❖ Style: Hoppo ❖ Finishing technique: Samsul ❖ Instructions on page 76

Moshi Chogakpo

      The technique of piecing cutouts together was originally developed to mend holes. It’s an advanced technique, but mastering it will add complexity and depth to your bojagi.

       55⅛” x 58¼” (140 x 148 cm) ❖ Fabric: ramie ❖ Style: Hoppo ❖ Finishing technique: Samsul ❖ Instructions on page 77

Moshi Chogakpo

      For this distinctively Korean pattern, indigo-dyed sheer ramie transforms into different shades depending on the suffused light.

       60” x 58¼” (152 x 148 cm) ❖ Fabric: ramie ❖ Style: Hoppo ❖ Finishing technique: Samsul ❖ Instructions on page 78

      The reinforcing corner elements have no real equivalent English term, but for these projects, we will refer to them as “chikaranuno”—a Japanese term meaning “strong cloth,” often associated the juban collar of kimono. In addition to strengthening the corners, they secure the ties, and have an ornamental element as well. They are made in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some are simple squares as seen here and on pages 17 and 25. Other shapes include bats (pages 16, 26), hearts (pages 14, 27), and rounded (page 15). There can be anywhere from one to four ties on a bojagi. The use of the bojagi seemed to dictate the number of ties. For example, bojagi intended for wrapping money and valuables had a single tie. The three empty corners of the bojagi were folded over the item(s) and then the entire parcel was looped with the tie and secured. Grandmothers used bojagi to carry their grandchildren on their backs and women often wore bojagi as aprons; in these cases, there were two ties. Bigger household objects like bedding and blankets required larger bojagi, which typically had four ties.

      In modern times, bojagi are rarely created for specific purposes like the ones listed above. However, ties are still attached to the corners because that is simply part of bojagi, but also because it’s useful to do so, particularly for new ways of using bojagi (e.g. curtains).

      In a way, the ties seem to connect the present with the past.

      COVERINGS

       Breathing life into traditional forms

      There are many types of bojagi made specifically for covering foodstuffs, furniture and other objects. These are called Sampo, Takwangkpo and Bansampo. Though this section includes the conventional styles of bojagi, we’ve also added other contemporary designs for tableware and craft supplies.

Sampo

      Sampo is a bojagi for covering edibles. To make lifting and holding it easier, a handle has been attached to the center of the piecework.

       11½” x 11½” (29 x 29 cm) ❖ Fabric: linen ❖ Style: Hoppo ❖ Finishing technique: Samsul

      *Refer to page 56 for detailed instructions with photos.

Machine-stitched Sampo

      The fabric pieces in gradated hues of indigo are stitched together using a sewing machine*. The decorative pinch stitches/pleats are added by machine as well.

       17” x 17” (43 x 43 cm) ❖ Fabric: Ramie ❖ Style: Hoppo ❖ Finishing technique: Samsul ❖ Instructions on page 79

      *Refer to “Using the Sewing Machine” on page 62

      Iyoichumumpo is one of the tenets of Buddhism, and “iyoi” embodies the belief that “what you think, you become.” The American patchwork pattern shown here is inspired by the stained glass windows of Catholic churches, and the quilt pattern itself is aptly named “Cathedral Window.”

Iyoichumunpo

      Colorful flowers embellish this lovely bojagi.

      When light shines through the iyoichumunpo, even the finished seam allowances are evidently a carefully considered part of the design.

       15¾” x 15¾” (40 x 40 cm) ❖ Fabrics: silk (sha, tsumugi) ❖ Style: Kyoppo ❖ Instructions on page 80

Suu Chogakpo

      Hand-embroidered scraps are pieced together in this cleverly designed, off-center grid pattern.

       12⅝” x 12⅝” (32 x 32 cm) ❖ Fabric: silk (sha) ❖ Style: Kyoppo ❖ Finishing technique: Komsul ❖ Instructions on page 81

      TABLE DECORATIONS

       Enhance your lifestyle with color

      Bojagi was often forged from limited resources out of necessity, but aesthetic considerations have always been part of the needlework as well. The following projects are perfect for casual entertaining or for simple daily enjoyment. The versatile designs are a refreshing addition to a modern interior.

Placemats

      The inclusion of fabric made from banana fibers makes this placemat quite wabi-sabi. This understated bojagi works well in a modern setting too.

       14½” x 21” (37.6 x 53.1 cm) ❖ Fabric: linen, banana fiber cloth ❖ Style: Hoppo ❖ Finishing technique: Samsul ❖ Instructions on page 82