Jo-gak-bo, My Best Hobby

When I have free time, I enjoy my hobby, Korean traditional patchwork. In Korean, it is called Jo-gak-bo. ‘Jo gak’ means small patch, and ‘Bo’ means wrapping cloth. Therefore, Jogakbo is wrapping cloth in Korean traditional patchwork style. A long time ago in Korea, it was used for packing or carrying things, like storage or shopping bag. However, today Koreans usually use it for decoration, such as curtains, table runners, and wall hangings.

Traditionally, it was made of left over fabric or old clothes, but today it is made of traditional fabric, such as cotton, silk, and linen. I usually use linen because it is washable and practical, and semi-transparent. Also I usually use cotton thread when I make Jogakbo using linen and cotton. Sometimes, I use silk thread when I use silk, but I don’t use often because silk thread is so expensive and buying is too difficult. In addition, when I make Jogakbo, I use needle, scissors, and some other tools.

Making Jogakbo is simple. First, I design and sketch a pattern, such as kind and color of fabric, and size and shape of patches. Next, I cut the fabric following the pattern, and then I sew each patch together. Although sewing machine is fast, I always do hand-made because I like sewing by hand. However, hand sewing needs patience and enough time. For example, during the last break, I made a curtain patchwork. It took three weeks by working about six hours a day.

In Korea, when I told people making Jogakbo is my hobby, they usually asked me two questions. One question was “Why do you like making Jogakbo?” I said, “Because when I focus only to sewing, I can forget about everything else. I enjoy just sewing and quite moments.” The other question was “Can I have this one, please?” That moment was very awkward to me. Maybe they seem to think making Jogakbo is easy, but I put a lot of time and effort into one patchwork. So, it was hard to give it away.

Now, I’m planning another patchwork. I don’t know how long it will take and when I complete another patchwork, but it is sure that I really love Jogakbo.