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How to Make a Swirled Kimekomi Fabric Ball

This is a great exercise to do with kids to show them how mathematics can help them create something beautiful. The no-sew tutorial removes any issues around sewing machines and enables the family to sit at a table crafting ornaments together for the festive season that everyone can be justifiably proud of when they hang them on the tree.  We have step-by-step instructions to help you through the stages backed up with visuals so you can see how the swirled kimekoni Christmas ornament comes together.

You can use a 3″ (8cm) Styrofoam ball or on a larger 5″ (13 cm) ball.
For the larger ball make it with 8 segments but if you are using the standard, smaller ball then you can make 6 segments to make this quicker to complete.

Below you will find my step by step written tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners.

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How to make a Swirled Kimekomi Fabric Ball

Supplies and tools

• fabric – assorted Christmas prints and matching plain fabric
• Styrofoam ball
• Measuring tape
• Mathematical compass
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Tweezers
• Painters tape or washi tape
• Black marker pen
• Thin gold or silver cord
• Precision cutting knife
• Fabric scraps to decorate the ball

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How to Make a Swirled Kimekomi Bauble

Watch the diy swirled kimekomi ball video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with new videos as they come out.

Swirled Fabric Ball VIDEO TUTORIAL

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:

Mark the north and south pole of the ball – there is usually a small indentation at the top and bottom of the ball to help you.

STEP 2:

Using your measuring tape find the widest part of the ball. For my 5 inch (13 cm) ball it was ~14 inches (36 cm).

STEP 3:

I divided the 14 inches (36 cm) into 8 equal parts which meant 1 ¾ inches (~4.5 cm) marked these off on the widest part of the ball.

STEP 4:

Using the measuring tape again I measured from the top or north pole down to the equator, and marked the halfway point between the pole and equator. I continued doing this around the ball until there were 8 midway points, then turned the ball upside down and repeated with the south pole to equator until I had another 8 midway points.

STEP 5:

Set the mathematic compass so one leg is on a midway point and the other leg with the pencil in it is on the north pole, then draw an arc, from the pole down until before the equator.

STEP 6:

Now start at the south pole draw an arc from the pole down almost to the equator.

STEP 7:

There will be a gap between the two arcs which you can now connect with a straight line, to create the swirl. Make sure to go over the pencil lines with a marker pen so you can see clearly where to cut later.

STEP 8:

Continue going around the ball until you have the 8 sets of arcs connected with a straight line.

STEP 9:

Use painters tape or washi tape to cover one of the marked sections of the ball – this is to create the template for your pattern to cut the fabric. If the tape has gone over the marked lines just redraw the lines with your pen on the tape.

STEP 10:

Peel off the pattern and trim the areas outside the black marked lines then stick onto a piece of firm plastic. The clear front cover of a document folder works well. You now have your pattern and providing you keep it safe you can decorate dozens of these 5-inch (12.7 cm) balls without having to cut another pattern.

STEP 11:

Cut the fabric segments according to the template but leave ¼ of an inch (6 mm) extra fabric all round so that it can be later tucked into the ball to hide any raw edges.

STEP 12:

Only you have your fabric segments cut and know the sequence in which you will attach them put them aside and using an Exacta knife, cut down the marked swirled lines to create grooves into which you will later tuck the fabric segments.

STEP 13:

Grab you first segment of fabric and place it onto the kimekoni ball, lining up the top and bottom, then start from the center and using a very small screwdriver, tweezers or small scissors tuck the fabric into the groove, working side to side and from the center out towards the poles to ensure the fabric lies flat.

STEP 14:

Once the first segment is done, start on the second segment and tuck it in using the same method, proceeding all the way around the ball until all 8 segments are in place. If you are using the smaller ball you will have 6 segments.

STEP 15:

Once all the panels are in place it is time to attach the thin gold or silver cord to add some glitter to the ball.

STEP 16:

Put a pin in the north pole and wind the end of the cord around the pin, then push the cord into the slit, working your way down the segment, then across the south pole and up again to the north pole. When you end cut, a little extra cord and remove the pin before pushing both the ends into the hole.

STEP 17:

Repeat step 16 until you have worked your way right around the ball and each segment has a line of glittery thread dividing the segments.

STEP 18:

To attach the hanging loop cut 7 inches (18 cm) of the gold or silver cord.

Fold in half.

STEP 19:

Tie a knot in the two ends of the cord and then tuck it into the top of the ball using tweezers, scissors or the screwdriver. The Styrofoam will hold it securely in place and your ball is now ready to hang on the tree.

 

I love how this project can be multiplied – if you have the same size Styrofoam balls you can have a few kids working on the project and experiencing the joy of having created their own Christmas ornament as a family. Do share a photo of your swirled kimekoni Christmas ornaments in the comments section after you have liked and subscribed. We love hearing from our readers and seeing how creative you all can be.

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