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Showing posts from February, 2012

Why Is My Satin Cord Fraying in Kumihimo Braiding and How Can I Fix It?

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Your satin cord is likely fraying due to friction against the loom or other cords, the use of blunt or inappropriate tools, or the inherent low twist structure of satin cord itself. To fix it, immediately apply a small amount of clear nail polish or Fray Check to the frayed end, let it dry completely, and then trim the sealed end with sharp, dedicated fabric scissors. Prevent future fraying by using a   yarn guide or straw   to manage cords, applying a preventative sealant   before   you start braiding, and ensuring your tools are sharp and clean. If the cord is heavily frayed, the most reliable fix is to cut off the damaged section and restart with a properly sealed end. Key Takeaways Satin cord frays primarily due to  high friction  and its smooth, loosely twisted fibers, which easily catch and unravel. The fastest fix is to  seal the frayed fibers  with a liquid sealant (e.g., clear glue, nail polish) and then trim. Prevention is more effective...

Kumihimo Pictures - 8 Thread Kongo Gumi Patterns (Part 1)

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Kumihimo Patterns - 8 Thread Kongo Gumi Patterns (Part 1)                      

Kumihimo Bracelet

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Art Clay and Kumihimo Bracelet Materials: 1 oz 28gg round, fine silver wire 10gm Art Clay Slow Dry (regular or low fire) 10 gm Art Clay Silver Paste type Hook and Eye set (2pc) .980SV Paint brush Kumihimo foam disc Wire snips Chain nose pliers Masking tape Twist tie Butane torch or programmable kiln Water Begin by cutting the wire into 3 foot (1 yard) long pieces. The oz. of wire has 120 feet, so this will give you 40 wires. Separate the wires into 4 bundles of 10 wires. Smooth and even the ends and put a small piece of masking tape on each end to hold the wires together. Hold the kumihimo disc so that #32 is on top, and 16 is on the bottom. Put the two ends of one bundle of wire together and slightly fold them in the middle so that there is a slight bend where the middle of the wires is. Set this mark in the middle of the kumihimo disc and thread one end of the bundle on the right of #16 and the other end between #32 and #1. Keep the wires taut. Take a second bund...

Kumihimo Instructions - Kumihimo Round Braids

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Here's what you'll need: 7 strands of yarn, floss, or string - 12" each Octagon-shaped disk made from foam, cardboard or plastic.  The disk needs a hole in the center and a slit on each of the eight sides. General Instructions: Hold the ends of the 7 strands together and tie a knot. Put the knot through the hole of the disk from top to bottom. Hold the knot with one hand under the disk. The untied ends of the yarn are on top of the disk. With your other hand, place each strand in a slit, leaving one slit open. Hold the disk so that the open slit is towards your body. Count to the third strand to the right of the open slit. Take that strand and move it to the open slit. Rotate the disk clockwise so that the open slit is towards your body. Again, count to the third strand to the right of the open slit. Take that strand and move it to the open slit. Rotate the disk. Repeat these two steps until your braid is the length you want. To end the braid, remove the yarn f...