💖 DIY Kimekomi Heart Ornament Tutorial (Step-by-Step with Tips!)
Today, I’m teaching you how to make a beautiful Heart Kimekomi Ornament using the traditional Japanese tucked fabric technique.
Let’s dive in!
✂️ What is Kimekomi?
Kimekomi is a Japanese decorative art where you tuck fabric into grooves cut into a foam or wooden form. The result? Stunning, quilted-style ornaments with endless design possibilities.
If you're new to kimekomi, I highly recommend checking out the beginner’s tutorial, which can be downloaded for free when you sign up for my email list.
📦 Tools & Materials
Smooth foam ball (8 cm or similar)
Pen for marking
Measuring tape
Sissors
paper
2 colors of fabric (cotton quilting fabric recommended)
Craft knife
Tucking tool (I use an upholstery needle.)
Glue stick (clear-drying)
Straight pins & pearl head pins
Decorative cord and ribbon
A large sequin
Optional: quilt batting and other decorative trim
🧭 Step 1: Marking the Ball
First, locate the north pole, south pole, and equator on your foam ball. Some come with factory markings, but if yours does not, I have a helpful video that shows how to find them in my free video library.
Mark a dot at both the north and south poles and then mark four equidistant points along the equator.
Find the measurement for the four equidistant points by:
Multiply the diameter of your ball by π (3.14) to find the circumference.
Divide the circumference by four.
Once you’ve marked your equator points, take the measurement above and divide it by two to find the measurement for the midpoints.
Mark midpoints between both poles and the equator for all four equator points. This sets up the framework for your design.
❤️ Step 2: Create Your Heart Template
Take a piece of paper or cardstock and draw a heart shape. Fold the paper in half, draw one side, cut it, and voilà! A symmetrical heart.
But here’s a pro tip: switch to a stretchable and flexible plastic, like a plastic shopping bag, for your final template. It molds better to the round surface of the foam and gives you a more accurate outline.
🖊️ Step 3: Drawing and Sectioning
Pin your template to an equator point and trace it with a pen. Repeat on the other side of the ball.
Then draw additional lines to create eight sections on the ball for cutting:
From heart to heart through the poles.
Along the equator between the hearts.
A vertical line around the ball that divides the ball in half.
🔪 Step 4: Cutting Grooves
Using a craft knife, carefully cut along all the drawn lines about 1 cm deep. Then run your tucking tool through the cuts to widen them. This is where your fabric will be tucked in later!
🧵 Step 5: Preparing and Tucking Fabric
You have two options here:
Option 1: Pre-Cut Fabric
Use your paper or plastic heart template, trace it onto fabric about 1 cm larger, and cut it out. Tuck it into the grooves using your tucking tool. Add quilt batting underneath for a puffier look (optional!).
Option 2: Use a Large Piece of Fabric
Don’t pre-cut! Just drape a large section of fabric over the ball and tuck as you go. Trim the excess. This method is easier for avoiding under-sizing and reduces fabric waste.
Which ever method you choose, tuck your fabric into the grooves covering each section with fabric. Cutting small notches in the fabric helps it bend more easily around curves, just like in sewing!
💎 Step 6: Adding Cord & Finishing Touches
Glue cord over the heart, pole, and equator seams. Add a pin at the heart's top notch to keep that signature heart shape sharp.
Cover the vertical seam with ribbon and then add the finishing touches with whatever embellishments you choose.
💬 Final Thoughts
These make beautiful gifts, charming decor pieces, or even heirloom holiday keepsakes.
💡 Want more kimekomi inspiration? Explore my free video library or follow me on Instagram for updates, tips, and creative tutorials.
Got questions or want to share your heart ornament? Drop a comment or tag me—I'd love to see what you create!
