Kekki Seams



In preparation for a forthcoming Mesh Collective exhibition at Patriothall Gallery in Stockbridge, from 22nd April - 6th May 2015, I am working on my part of a collaborative work entitled 'Earthworks'. Mesh is a diverse group of artists residing all over Scotland. Earthworks is our first collaborative work. In 2015, International Year of Soil, each of us will produce a hanging textile work using our local earth and soil  and things that grow in it or are found in it to mark or dye the fabric, My piece relates to the East Lothian coastline. I have been having fun stitching kekki seams in the long dark winter evenings. Being triple stitched, Kekki seams add form and structure to a textile work. I found detailed instructions on how to do them from the wonderful Korean textile artist Chunghie Lee in this publication:
Bojagi and Beyond

In the past stitching gave Korean women a creative outlet which gave their lives meaning and joy. Bojagis would be stitched in an almost trance-like state of concentration.

Here are my notes on the process:

1/ Pin and stitch the seam


2/ Fold the seam over on the row of stitches and press

3/ Stitch another row as close to the first row as possible

4/ Trim the excess fabric

5/ Fold the seam over again and press

6/ Stich one more row across as close to this row as possible. Open out seam and press

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