How to Make a Japanese Wind Sock
Japanese wind socks are often seen flying on Children's Day, May 5th, to celebrate and bring luck to the young boys in a family. Make a Japanese wind sock, or koinobori, to fly at your home any time of year. Create an easy version that doesn't require sewing, and let the children you are celebrating decorate it. Hang your Japanese wind sock from the eaves of your roof or attach it to the top of a pole, as in Japan.
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Things You'll Need
- Nylon fabric
- Fabric marker
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Metal craft hoop
- Seam sealant
- Needle
- Twine
Instructions
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1
Fold a piece of outdoor-rated nylon fabric in half lengthwise. Measure and draw a 30-by-12 inch rectangle in the middle with your fabric marker. The fold will make up one of the 30-inch sides.
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2
Cut out the rectangle along the lines you drew through both layers of fabric. Do not cut along the fold.
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3
Cut a triangle approximately 4 inches wide and 8 inches tall in the center of a 12-inch edge. Cut through both layers of fabric. This will be the tail of the fish.
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4
Glue the 30-inch open end opposite the fold together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Allow the glue to dry for 30 minutes, then turn the fabric right side out.
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5
Apply a seam sealant along the cut edges of the carp's tail to prevent fraying.
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6
Insert a 12-inch metal craft ring into the end of the tube that does not have the tail cut out. Fold 1 inch of fabric all the way around over the ring and glue it in place with your fabric glue. This will hold the mouth of the wind sock open.
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7
Decorate the carp with fabric markers or paint. Eyes and scales are the most common decorations on carp wind socks.
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8
Cut a 15-inch length of twine and thread it through a large eye needle. Sew it through the fabric and around the metal ring. Tie the short end of the string securely. Repeat three more times until you have four strings emerging from the mouth equidistant from each other.
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9
Tie the four strings together 8 inches from the end. Tie the wind sock to a pole or hang it from a hook by the string.
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Tips & Warnings
Supplies are available at most hobby and craft stores. Hem the edges and sew them together for a sturdier windsock.
Use waterproof nylon fabric for this project.
