You do not need a large kit to try kinusaiga. Most of these supplies come from a hardware store, a craft shop or your own scrap basket.
Foam board
Use rigid extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation board. It is usually sold in pink or blue panels at hardware stores, and about 2.5 cm thick is a common choice.
Avoid white beaded foam, because it crumbles. Paper-faced foam core is too thin to grip fabric.
Double-sided adhesive sheet
The adhesive sheet holds fabric flat and stops it from lifting. Choose a sheet large enough to cover your board, or join sheets edge to edge. If you cannot find a sheet, look for a strong double-sided transfer adhesive at craft or framing suppliers.
Craft knife
A pointed craft knife with spare blades is essential. A sharp tip gives clean grooves, so change it as soon as it drags. Always cut on a safe surface, and keep your other hand behind the blade.
Tucking tool
The back of a seam ripper is a popular choice. A thin nail file also works. Table knives are usually too thick.
Fabric
Tightly woven cotton, such as quilting cotton, is the easiest to work with. Once you are comfortable, you can try linen or other textures. Small scraps are enough for small pieces, but large background areas need bigger pieces.
Our templates show the area each colour covers, so you can compare it with your scraps. Remember to add extra for tucking and for wrapping the outer edge.
Other useful items
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Printer and paper for the template
- Tape to hold the template in place
- Pins or adhesive strips for the sides
- A frame or shadow box, if you want one
Before you buy
Decide on your board size first, because it sets the size of the foam, adhesive sheet and frame. Then read how to make kinusaiga and pick one of our free kinusaiga patterns.