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Showing posts from August, 2013

Where to Find Durable Kumihimo Foam Disks That Don’t Warp or Tear

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You can find durable, high-quality kumihimo foam disks that resist warping and tearing from specialty fiber arts retailers, reputable online marketplaces like Etsy, and directly from dedicated craft supply manufacturers. The key is to look for disks made from high-density, closed-cell EVA foam, which provides superior structural integrity compared to cheap, open-cell foam. Be prepared to invest a bit more for a product from a seller that specifically advertises "warp-resistant" or "heavy-duty" materials, as this is the primary exception to the common problem of flimsy, disposable disks. Key Takeaways Material is paramount:  High-density, closed-cell EVA foam is the standard for durability and resistance to warping and tearing. Specialty retailers are your best bet:  General craft stores often stock lower-quality options; seek out sellers specializing in fiber arts or braiding supplies. Product descriptions tell the story:  Look for keywords like "high-density,...

Finger Loop Braiding | Kumihimo Flat Braid

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You may want to try the Finger Loop Braiding. I found this article a couple of years ago and decided to post here for those who are interested with fingerloop braiding just like the kumihimo braiding patterns we have discussed here. (Original article from) Fingerloop Braiding Workshop Blue Skies ’09 by: Gillian Woodruff Fingerloop braiding has been practiced in various forms for thousands of years around the globe, reaching a peak of refinement in medieval Europe when silk braids were made for laces, purse strings and other adornments. The translation of some old English pattern manuscripts over the last 20 years has renewed interest in this method. The braiding is performed with fingers holding loops of thread whose loose ends are anchored together. Loops are pulled through others by exchanging them between fingers in a specific way to produce a braided structure. A surprisingly wide variety of braids are possible using this method. Commonly, 5 to 8 loops are worked with 2...