What is Japanese Bunka?
 
Japanese Bunka is a form of Japanese Cultural Embroidery using a punch needle and synthetic thread.
 
It is often known as "painting with thread" as the finished effect is one of a painting, the thread providing the texture and the colors andworkmanship providing the depth.
 
The thread is of a stretchy nature such that it stays in without knotting when punched through a tightly woven fabric. Many kits are available for students' pleasure and frustration.
 
The numbered kits are similar to a "paint by number" art kit. You can match the colored thread with the numbered space on the fabric to create a beautiful picture, although you must still look at the colored picture, the numbers help with color placement but cannot indicate fine detail.
 
The unnumbered kits need careful color planning, using the colored picture and a fine eye!!
 
Lessons are recommended for everyone, so you learn the correct techniques and color planning to produce a picture you will treasure for ever!
 
 
American Bunka Embroidery Association
"Painting with Thread"