Thread fibers in a variety of colors were unraveled from discarded clothing. From simple balls wrapped with simple directional threads, designs began to develop. Layers of colors were applied and patterns developed. Needles were invented and Temari patterns were hugely expanded. Patterns developed throughout Japan.
Today there are local designs documented from every region of the country.
Temari is a craft of invention. One pattern developed from another over the years and centuries. Temari developed into an art form. Between ladies of noble houses, artistic challenges developed to produce the finest and most astounding examples of Temari. Balls grew from a homespun child's toy of crude scrap materials into lavish silk and gold thread-covered spheres, exquisite with patterns in elegant colors.