Kinusaiga takes a few careful stages, but none of them need sewing. This guide uses a printed template and a foam board. If you are new to the craft, read what kinusaiga is first.
1. Prepare the board
Cut a foam board to the size of your design. If you plan to frame it, measure the frame first. The board should be a little smaller than the opening, and a frame can hide around 6 mm of the edge, so keep small details away from that zone.
Stick a double-sided adhesive sheet on top. Leave the top liner in place for now.
2. Add the template
Print the template at 100% and tape it to the board. Print a second copy, or keep the numbered map, so you can still see the design when the paper comes off.
3. Cut the grooves
Cut along every line, through the paper, liner and adhesive, and about 6 mm into the foam.
- Keep the blade upright.
- Use light, repeated strokes.
- Cut junctions from several angles so the fabric can reach into them.
- Replace the blade when it starts to tear the foam.
A groove that is too shallow will not hold fabric at corners. A very deep one weakens the board.
4. Cover the first piece
Start with the largest piece. Peel off its paper and liner, so the sticky surface is exposed. Use the paper as a guide to cut fabric, leaving about 1 cm of extra fabric on all sides.
Press the fabric onto the sticky area and smooth it from the middle outwards.
5. Tuck the edges
Trim the edge to about 3 mm. Using the back of a seam ripper or a thin nail file, push the fabric into the groove with light strokes. Work on opposite sides in turn, so the fabric stays smooth and is not pulled to one side.
At corners, push the fabric towards the point. If it bunches, lift it, trim a little and try again.
6. Work across the design
Fill large and background pieces first, then details. Where two pieces meet, both edges go into the same groove. Check each outline before starting on the next area, and keep your fabric smooth without stretching it.
7. Finish the sides
Pieces at the outer edge need about 2.5 cm of extra fabric, which folds around the side of the board. Fix it with adhesive strips or pins, then frame the picture or hang it as it is.
Next steps
Read our kinusaiga tips before your first project. When you are ready, make a template in our kinusaiga pattern maker.