【Hokkaido】Creating characters using Ainu patterns.

How were patterns composed in an era without rulers or writing implements?

They folded the cloth in half, creased it, and repeatedly marked the crease with thread. They then connected these marks to form the pattern. Even curves were created by connecting the diagonals of squares made from these marks with rounded segments. The rest was measured by hand. Using these thread marks as a rough draft, they then applied the actual patterns.

Types and Designs of Ainu Patterns

Embroidery techniques also varied, including Rūnpe, Chijiri, and Kaparamipu.

This time, with advice from Tsuda-san, we concluded that Rūnpe might be the most suitable technique for creating the font.

Rumpé involves placing strips of fabric cut into tape-like pieces, sewing them down, and then embroidering over them. Curves are achieved by bending the tape without cutting it. The meaning of "Rumpé" is said to be "Ru (path) Un (to have/possess) Pe (thing)".

Ainu patterns feature unique stitches and shapes like Ikari ("I" meaning "that," "Ka" meaning "top," "Rari" meaning "to press"), Kirau ("corner"), and Oho ("to chain stitch"), which are fascinating. Following this approach, I incorporated these characteristics into each letter.

The protruding corners represent kiriau, the central line is ikarari, and the thick red line is oho.

If you're interested, look up terms like Chijiri and Kaparamipu.
As for the design, there seem to be rules, or maybe not. I designed it while learning from Mr. Tsuda, but naturally, much of it is intuitive. For someone like me who tried it on a whim, it was still far beyond my understanding.

Actually sewing it

Mr. Tsuda also taught me the embroidery techniques. I had learned a bit from Tsuda-san's published books, but learning directly from her was much clearer. She also taught me things not written in the books, like "You can also do it this way." I put that into practice, but paying attention to things like how even the stitches were made turned it into such meticulous work that hours flew by instantly. My shoulders got so stiff, I've never felt this kind of stiffness before (laugh). The concentration of the Ainu people who did this on the scale of clothing is incredible.

Learning sewing techniques.

Ainu patterns evolved over generations, passed from mother to child, developing curves and other changes. It's truly a shame that today we can only recreate them. I pray this fine traditional craft isn't lost.

Thank you, Tsuda Meiko, for teaching me so much about Ainu history, patterns, and various other things.