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...
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Constructing Kumihimo Tama for Kumihimo Braiding

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Materials needed for eight tama:

(The wood parts for these bobbins are manufactured by Lara’s Crafts and can be purchased at most craft stores. The weights can be found in most fishing supply stores)

�� 8 Wood Spools 7/8” x 1-1/8” (part # U10018, 3 per pkg)
�� 16 Wood Circles 3/4” (part # U10817, 6 per pkg)
�� 16 Bullet Weights 1/8 oz.(part # BW18, 12 per pkg)
�� White Glue

Assembly instructions:

Step 1: Cover one side of 1 wooden circle with white glue Press it firmly onto one end of one of the spools. Make sure that it is centered and even. Wipe off any excess glue. Repeat for the rest of your bobbins and set them aside to dry for a few hours.

Step 2: Turn one bobbin open end up and drip four or five drops of white glue into the hole. Drop in one weight (point down) into the hole. Add two or three more drops of glue. Drop in the last weight (wide end down) and finish with several more drops of glue. Finally, secure a wooden circle over the hole as you did in Step 1. Repeat for the remaining bobbins and set them aside to dry for several hours.

Step 3: Run a thin bead of glue carefully around the rim of the wooden circle, where the circle and the spool join; smooth this down with a finger. Repeat for one end of each bobbin and set aside to dry. When dry, repeat for the other ends. Let dry overnight.

The resulting tama weighs approximately 0.44 oz (12.5 grams)

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