Date: Saturday, 8 August

Time: 14:00 – 17:00

Location: Yi Crafts Studio, London

Price: £68 per person
（ Maximum 8 people ）

Discover the beauty of pankou (盘扣), the intricate hand-tied buttons that have adorned traditional Chinese garments for centuries.

More than simple fastenings, pankou are a distinctive form of decorative knotting, combining function with artistry. Found on garments such as the qipao (cheongsam) and traditional jackets, each button is carefully shaped by hand using a single length of cord. Over time, pankou has evolved into a rich decorative language, with countless forms inspired by flowers, butterflies, clouds, and other auspicious motifs.

In this three-hour workshop, you'll learn the traditional techniques of making several classic pankou designs, guided step by step by our tutor. Beginning with the fundamentals of shaping and tying, you'll gradually develop the skills to create elegant decorative buttons that can be used on garments, accessories, jewellery, or textile projects.

Alongside the practical making, we'll explore the cultural history of pankou and its significance within Chinese dress, craftsmanship, and design.

Suitable for complete beginners, this workshop offers a mindful afternoon of handcraft, where patience and repetition transform a simple cord into something both beautiful and functional.

Your ticket includes:

• A three-hour guided workshop

• All materials and tools

• Multiple handmade pankou samples to take home

• An introduction to the history and cultural significance of traditional Chinese knot buttons

Whether you're interested in textiles, fashion, embroidery, or traditional craft, this workshop is a wonderful introduction to one of the most elegant details of Chinese garment making.

Summer Ye is a practitioner of traditional Chinese Pankou craftsmanship and qipao making. Passionate about preserving China’s intangible cultural heritage, she is committed to keeping this centuries-old art alive through contemporary teaching and creative practice. Her work celebrates the elegance of handcrafted details while encouraging a deeper appreciation of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and culture.