Aiko Kitagawa demonstrates how to make an ilga pattern

“First, I make a pattern paper for the embroidery. I cut out the pattern (ilga in the Uilta language) in a circle along the curve of the thumb. Then I pin the cut-out ilga onto the felt cloth. Next, I mark the edges of the pattern with a pen. Once the edges are finished, I remove the pins and connect the line with a pen. I sew over the lines with basting thread and use two strands of embroidery thread. I don't make a ball knot at the beginning of the embroidery, but chain stitches instead. In Sakhalin, reindeer skins were used instead of felt. Now I have my ilga and the middle part is finished. Now I outline the center of the ilga with a chain stitch made of silk thread. Then all that remains is to remove the basting threads, iron, and everything is finished.”

Recorded by Irumi Sasakura. Abashiri, 1997.