In one of my recent estate sale hauls, I uncovered a small collection of ornaments that stopped me in my tracks. At first glance, they looked like colorful fabric balls, carefully patterned, glossy in places, with seams so clean they seemed impossible.
A little research told me what they were: Kimekomi ornaments, a traditional Japanese craft where fabric is tucked into carved grooves on a ball base, creating seamless patterns of texture and color.
The Art of Kimekomi
Kimekomi originated in Kyoto in the 18th century, when wooden dolls were first created by tucking silk remnants into grooves carved into the wood. The word itself comes from “kimeru” (to tuck) and “komu” (to crowd into).
Today, the same principle is applied to ornaments, most often spherical. Instead of carving wood, makers use bases made from Styrofoam or molded plastic, which are lighter and easier to work with. Shallow grooves are scored across the surface of the ball in geometric or floral patterns. Strips of fabric are tucked neatly into the grooves, creating a patchwork of color and design without visible stitching.
The result? Ornaments that are smooth, vibrant, and full of history—each one a tiny textile mosaic.
What I Found
The Kimekomi ornaments I discovered had a distinctly vintage feel. The fabrics looked midcentury. Each ornament had a different motif: some seasonal, others floral, all intricate.
It was easy to imagine their former owner collecting fabric scraps over decades, cutting and tucking them into these ornaments, each one destined to hang on a holiday tree or sit in a decorative bowl.
And while some might see them as “old-fashioned,” I saw them as timeless: a craft that honors fabric, patience, and the art of reuse.
How to Make Your Own (with Fabric Scraps)
The beauty of Kimekomi is that you don’t need much to start, and fabric scraps are perfect.
You’ll Need:
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A ball base (Styrofoam is traditional, but we recommend sourcing from old packaging where possible)
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Fabric scraps, cut into small sections
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A craft knife or scoring tool
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Glue (optional, for extra hold)
Steps:
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Score grooves into the ball, creating a pattern (think geometric sections, florals, or stripes).
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Cut fabric slightly larger than each section.
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Use a blunt tool to tuck fabric edges into the grooves.
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Smooth and adjust until the surface is even.
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Add a hanging loop or display as-is.
A few examples to follow
In this post, Bayhill Studio offers a great step by step guide on how to make basic Kimekomi Ornaments: www.bayhillstudio.com/blog/how-to-make-a-kimekomi-ornament
But if you want to turn up the volume a bit, try something more like this: www.pinterest.com/pin/12103492742543948/
P.S. If you’ve ever made Kimekomi ornaments—or discovered some—I’d love to see them. And if you try making your own with fabric scraps, tag us! There’s room for everyone in this centuries-old tradition.
