Kumihimo - The ancient art of Japanese Braiding

Written By Janine Sun
Kumihimo Round Braid & variations.

Kumihimo Round Braid & variations.

The term ”Kumihimo” in Japanese means the gathering of threads.  There are different types of braids such as Round Braids, Square Braids, Flat Braids, Honeycomb Braids, Hollow Braids & Rounded Flat Braids.  From these basic braids, countless variations can be created by using different combinations of color, texture and material.

I started with the basic round braids using black satin cords of various sizes & accents of silver & gold cords.  Here are some patterns I have made.  I really like the twisted one which I made with 2 different cord sizes.

Here are some helpful info to share with you.

A)  How to Videos / Instructions:
      1)  Cousin.com - 
           http://www.cousin.com/How-To-Video-Kumihimo-Round-Braid-P16673.aspx
      2)  BeadSmith on YouTube - 
           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I_uAC_Mxfw
      3)  Artbeads.com
           http://www.artbeads.com/kumihimo-getting-started.html

B)  Where to buy materials:
      1)  FireMountainGems.com                 
           http://www.firemountaingems.com/search/?Keywords=kumihimo
      2)  Walmart.com                            
           http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do? tab_value=all&search_query=kumihimo&pref_store=2636&ss=false&ic=16_0&
      3)  Artbeads.com                         
           http://beads.artbeads.com/search?w=kumihimo%20supplies
      4)  Joann.com                                                     
           http://www.joann.com/search?q=kumihimo

C)  Measurement of cords     
     1)  Cut 4 strands of cords. Each strand should be 4 times the desired length + 12”.  Gather the 4 cords together and tie a scrap piece of cord onto the                 center.  ~ Cousin.com 
     2)  Or use the 3 : 1 Ratio.  Cut 8 strands of cords. Each strand should be 3 times the desired finished length. Gather all eight strands and tie a knot at one                 end.  ~ Fire Mountain
     Note:  Larger cord consumes more length than smaller cord when you combine different sizes of cord.  

D)  Reference Books:

  1. Beginner’s Guide to Braiding ~ The Craft of Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey (Jun 1, 1997)

  2. Kumihimo Basics and Beyond: 24 Braided and Beaded Jewelry Projects on the Kumihimo Disk by Rebecca Combs (Nov 5, 2013)

  3. A Complete Guide To Kumihimo On A Braiding Loom: Round, Flat, Square, Hollow, And Beaded Braids And Necklaces by Kathy King James (Jan 23, 2009)

  4. Kumihimo Wire Jewelry: Essential Techniques and 20 Jewelry Projects for the Japanese Art of Braiding by Giovanna Imperia (Mar 15, 2011)

Janine Sun