# Kumihimo and cord braiding

> Kumihimo is a Japanese braiding technique with threads on a disk or marudai; it makes silk cords and bracelets with geometric patterns.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/kumihimo-and-braiding/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-29
- Updated: 2026-08-29
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/kumihimo-y-trenzado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

---

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](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/kumihimo-steps.en.svg "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

- [Macramé and knotting in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/macrame-and-knotting-in-jewelry/)
- [Silk and textile threads](https://www.711grados.com/en/silk-and-textile-threads/)
- [Cord necklaces: materials, knots and clasps](https://www.711grados.com/en/cord-necklaces/)