Jogakbo Workshop with Youngmin Lee

We are so excited to host the renowned Korean Textile Artist Youngmin Lee

May 1st – 4th, 2025 (Thursday-Sunday)

10AM to 4PM

Botanical Colors

503 S Michigan St, Ste B

Seattle WA 98108

Bojagi are traditional Korean wrapping cloths. They were used to wrap, cover, carry, or store objects in daily life, on special occasions, and in religious rituals. Koreans believe that bojagi can not only wrap an object but can also enclose bok (福, 복, good fortune or happiness). The act of making bojagi also carries wishes for the well-being and happiness of its recipients. The labor of love and the good wishes felt while making the bojagi imbue the item with the affectionate energy of the maker.

Jogakbo, patchwork bojagi, embodies the philosophy of recycling, as the wrapping cloths are made from remnants of leftover fabric. Jogak means ‘a small piece’ in Korean. There are many types of jogakbo, defined by the materials used, size, construction, and design.

Using Korean traditional stitch and seam techniques, Youngmin will teach basic jogakbo construction in this workshop. Bojagi construction involves hand stitching, which can be very relaxing. While working on your bojagi, wish for the happiness and well-being of the recipient of your finished bojagi. 

During the workshop, Youngmin will demonstrate how to use small pieces of plain weave fabrics- such as ramie, silk organza, Korean silk gauze, cotton, and linen- to create a geometric pattern, free-from, and improvisational designed bojagi. Participants will gain the confidence to complete their project with a unique composition of various shapes, lines, and textures.

Your piece will be approximately 30″ x 30″ when it is complete. We will give a demonstration on naturally dyeing cloth and have naturally dyed fabrics for you to work with.

Youngmin’s Book

Congratulations to Youngmin for the publication of her book, Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles.  We will have this book available for pre-order soon!

Workshop details

Day 1- Introduction and presentation, stitch sample study and a Korean lunch from one of our favorite local and innovative eateries!

Day 1 – late afternoon and evening – Pop-up and book signing with Youngmin Lee.  Open to the public.

Day 2- We start working with the different seam techniques and practice

Day 3- Develop design and construction, embellishing motifs

Day 4– Continue construction and composition, conclusion and finishing the project.

Youngmin will bring various plain weave fabrics-ramie, silk organza, Korean silk gauze, cotton, and linen. 

Materials and Supplies for Participants to bring

Participants can bring remnants of plain weave, lightweight fabrics from your own stash, although we will have ample amounts of fabric available.  Small pieces (no larger than 8×8 inches) are advised.  

Please also bring

• Fine hand sewing needles, such as sharps
• A thimble, if you use one
• 1 spool of 50wt cotton thread and 1 spool of 50 wt silk thread in your favorite color
• long, thin pins, such as Dritz or Clover
• pincushion
• a cutting mat (12”x18), a rotary cutter (28mm) (we have rotary cutters if you are flying for this workshop)
• a grid ruler
• scissors (we have scissors if you are flying for this workshop).
• a fabric marking pen or pencil
• a Hera marker or Bone folder
• a needle threader (optional) and a notebook for taking notes.

About Youngmin Lee (she, her) is a textile artist who specializes in the traditional Korean art of bojagi. Her deep interest in textiles led her to pursue a degree in Clothing and Textile, followed by an MFA in Fashion Design in South Korea. With a passion for preserving and innovating within the bojagi tradition, Youngmin has dedicated years to researching and applying these techniques in both traditional and contemporary contexts. Since moving to California in 1996, Youngmin has actively worked to preserve the bojagi tradition, which embodies principles of recycling and upcycling, as the art often utilizes fabric remnants from other projects.

Beyond her studio work, she is committed to educating others about this unique art form. In 2013, she created the educational DVD Bojagi: The Art of Wrapping Cloths to reach a wider audience. Her latest book, Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles, is set to be released in the summer of 2024. In 2017, Youngmin founded the Korean Textile Tour, an initiative designed to introduce and bridge Korean traditional textile art and culture to a broader audience. Through her work, Youngmin continues to inspire and educate, ensuring that the beauty and philosophy of bojagi are preserved and appreciated worldwide.

Travel and Workshop Information

Please download the PDF information for airport, lodging and transportation options in Seattle.

Liability Waiver and travel insurance
We require a signed liability waiver to participate in this workshop and strongly suggest you consider travel insurance in the event of unforeseen changes in plans.

Cancellations and refunds
All sales are final and we do not offer refunds once you have purchased the workshop, and we do not have a waiting list. You may find a replacement on your own if your plans change but please let us know if you are unable to attend or sending a replacement.