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Kumihimo and cord braiding

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Kumihimo and cord braiding

Kumihimo is a Japanese art of braiding threads to make cords. With a disk or a stand (marudai) the threads are crossed in a fixed pattern.

Steps of the technique: Cut the threads, Set up, Move the threads, Turn the disk, Adjust, Finish
Summary of the steps

How it works #

The threads are placed in the notches of the disk and moved in order: the cord grows at the center.

Results #

Round, square or flat cords, with herringbone, diagonal or grid patterns.

Uses #

Necklaces, bracelets and cords for pendants; combined with beads.

Materials #

Silk, cotton, rayon and nylon cords.

Step by step #

  1. Cut the threads. Eight threads of equal length.
  2. Set up. Place them in the notches of the disk.
  3. Move the threads. Follow the pattern order.
  4. Turn the disk. And repeat.
  5. Adjust. Tighten every few steps.
  6. Finish. With knots and clasps.

Tools and materials #

  • Kumihimo disk or marudai
  • Silk, cotton or nylon threads
  • Weights or bobbins
  • Clasps

Common mistakes #

  • Wrong thread order.
  • Uneven tension.
  • Tangled threads.
  • Not marking the starting thread.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.