The Complete Guide to Kumihimo Foam Disks: Your Essential Braiding Tool

By admin -

 


What is a Kumihimo Foam Disk?

The kumihimo foam disk is the modern, beginner-friendly version of traditional Japanese braiding looms. This lightweight, portable tool features:

  • 32 numbered slots around the perimeter

  • A center hole for securing threads

  • Dense foam construction (typically 4-6mm thick)

  • Standard diameters of 3.5" to 6"

Why Use a Foam Disk?

  • Affordable (typically $3-$8)

  • Portable - fits in a small bag

  • Beginner-friendly - easier than marudai

  • Versatile - creates multiple braid types

  • Durable - lasts for many projects

Types of Foam Disks

1. Standard Round Disks

  • Creates spiral/round braids

  • Most common for 8-strand braiding

  • Often includes printed guides

2. Square Plates

  • Produces flat braids

  • Used for more advanced patterns

  • Less common than round versions

3. Specialty Disks

  • Double-sided (round/square)

  • Extra-thick for stability

  • Color-coded slots

How to Use Your Foam Disk

Basic Setup:

  1. Cut 8 strands of thread (24-30" long)

  2. Tie together with an overhand knot

  3. Insert knot through center hole

  4. Arrange 2 strands in each cardinal position (N, S, E, W)

Standard 8-Strand Pattern:

  1. Move right North strand to left South

  2. Move left South strand to right North

  3. Rotate disk counter-clockwise

  4. Repeat sequence

Foam Disk vs. Traditional Tools

FeatureFoam DiskMarudai
Cost$3-$8$50-$200
PortabilityHighLow
Learning CurveEasyModerate
Braid QualityGoodExcellent
Setup Time1 minute5-10 minutes

Choosing Your First Disk

  • Size: 4" diameter is ideal for beginners

  • Thickness: 5mm provides good stability

  • Features: Look for numbered slots

  • Brand: Clover or Beadsmith offer quality options

Maintenance Tips

  • Store flat to prevent warping

  • Keep away from moisture

  • Clean with dry cloth

  • Replace if slots become stretched

Creative Uses Beyond Basics

  • Beaded braids: Add seed beads to threads

  • Multi-color patterns: Arrange colors strategically

  • Thicker cords: Use 16 strands (skip slots)

  • Flat braids: Switch to square plate

Where to Buy

  • Craft stores: Michaels, Joann

  • Online: Amazon, Etsy, specialty shops

  • DIY option: Cut from stiff foam

The foam disk remains the most accessible gateway to kumihimo braiding. With this simple tool, some thread, and basic instructions, you can create beautiful braided creations in minutes. Ready to start your first project?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

7 Strand Kumihimo Braid Directions

By admin -
Image
Kumihimo Instructions 7 Strand I enjoy using this method of performing kumihimo due to the fact there is merely one move to keep in mind, that minimizes the probability of obtaining the steps incorrect. :) However merely placing the strands inside the notches was obviously a little too different for my situation; I certainly not realized whenever i would find a design I appreciated. After a while I actually started to think there is a method to put together the particular completed cord might appear to be prior to I began. I began experimenting with a few factors and also developed a method to layout patterns. It includes a couple of areas: 1) a diagram along with numbered sections (to demonstrate exactly where particular shades will end up in the design) 2) designated steps on the weaving loom which match together with the sections from the diagram Prior to being able to create your own design you will need to choose strand you are going to maneuver - your third on the right f...
Read more

Kumihimo Patterns for the Kongo Gumi Braid

By admin -
Image
Kumihimo is the ancient Japanese art of braiding cord (“kumi”= to braid, “himo” = cord). Over the centuries, these cords have been used for religious ceremonies, lacing samurai armor, securing the kimono sash (obi) and other decorative uses. There are hundreds of braiding structures, ranging from simple to very complex, and requiring from 4 to over 100 threads. The braid described here is traditionally made on a round braiding stand (marudai) which uses weighted bobbins to produce a balanced tension and manage long threads. However, some of the more simple braids such as this one can also be done as short samples using a portable diskshaped card, which you can make yourself out of cardboard or craft foam, or purchase in kit form. These instructions are for one of the simplest braiding structures called kongo gumi (= hard braid), which produces a solid cord with a round crosssection (as opposed to a shoe lacestyle hollow cord or a flat braid). The braiding movements can be made with 8...
Read more

Kumihimo Braids - Seven Strand Braid

By admin -
Image
This is a great introductory braid. You can make your own disk by cutting a circle out of cardboard or craft foam. For this braid, you will need 8 slits cut around the edge of the disk (evenly spaced) and seven strands of yarn cut to your desired length. Also cut a hole in the center of the disk (shaded area shown at right.) For fun, experiment with using different color & texture yarns. Tie an overhand knot in one end of the strands and place it through the hole in the center of the disk. NOTE: If you want to make a bracelet, use three long strands folded in half plus one strand (half the length of the others) to make your seven strands. Fold them in half before tying the overhand knot so that it forms a loop that can be used as a clasp. Place one strand in each of the slits (1-7), leaving slit 8 open. Hold the card with the empty slit towards you. (You don’t need to keep track of the slit numbers, I just wrote them here to help with the initial set-up.) From the empty sl...
Read more