How to Kumihimo?

Have you ever wondered how those gorgeous, intricate cords are made? The ones you see decorating traditional Japanese clothing or adorning modern jewelry? Well, you're about to discover the fascinating world of kumihimo braiding – an ancient Japanese technique that's surprisingly accessible to modern crafters. Kumihimo braiding has been around for over 1,000 years, and it's honestly one of the most relaxing and rewarding crafts you can pick up. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, want to create stunning jewelry, or simply appreciate traditional crafts, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this beautiful art form. What Exactly is Kumihimo Braiding? Let's start with the basics. Kumihimo (pronounced "koo-mee-hee-mo") literally translates to "gathered threads" in Japanese. It's a traditional braiding technique that creates strong, decorative cords using multiple strands of threa...

Thread Setup on a 48-Slot Disk  Grid Pattern: Use a 48-slot disk arranged in a 24-line grid.  Thread Distribution: Divide 24 threads into 12 pairs (2 threads per group), spacing them evenly around the disk.  Braiding Steps  First Pass: Move all right-side threads to the left in one full rotation around the disk.  Second Pass: Reverse the motion—move all left-side threads to the right for another full rotation. This completes one braiding cycle (right→left, then left→right).  Repeat: Continue alternating directions (right→left, left→right) until your braid reaches the desired length.  Finishing  Secure the threads to complete your braid. The result is a tight, even flat braid —perfect for straps, cords, or decorative projects!   👉 Try it out! If this method works for you, save the setup (screenshot the thread distribution) and share your results.

Have you ever seen a beautifully intricate woven bracelet and wondered, "How did they make that?" Chances are, you were admiring a piece of Kumihimo, the traditional Japanese art of braid-making. While many are familiar with the classic round Kumihimo braids, a whole other world of creativity opens up when you explore flat kumihimo patterns . These versatile, elegant braids are perfect for everything from stylish bracelets to unique decorative trims. This guide is your all-access pass to the world of flat Kumihimo. We'll journey through its fascinating history, gear you up with the right tools and materials, and walk you through the steps to create your very first flat braid. Get ready to unlock stunning patterns and start a craft that is as meditative as it is beautiful. A Braid Through Time: The Surprising History of Kumihimo The art of braiding is ancient, woven into the very fabric of human history. While Kumihimo is quintessentially Japa...

  A Modern Twist on a Classic Pattern This   32-thread houndstooth design   is one of our newest and most stylish patterns, perfect for both men and women. The woven texture is sleek, eye-catching, and effortlessly fashionable. What You’ll Need: Two 4mm hoses  (for a flat, structured look) 32 threads total  (16 of each color, 60cm each) Rectangular disk  (64-card slots) Metal buckles & finishing clips Step-by-Step Guide: 1. Prep the Base Lightly glue the two hoses together in the middle to form a flat star shape. Carefully insert all 32 threads (alternating colors) into the hose. 2. Secure the Threads Bundle the threads into the small starter ring and gently pull tight while holding the base firmly. Use the rectangular disk to begin weaving—follow the  two-by-two alternating color pattern  (refer to the included hanging chart for guidance). 3. Weaving the Houndstooth Start at Card #1, pulling the left thread to the right and filling gaps seque...

🌊 Materials You'll Need: 4 colors of embroidery floss or satin cord (approx. 50–60 cm each) Kumihimo disk (round or square) Needle and thread or glue Scissors Lighter (for finishing, optional) 🧵 Steps to Make the Mermaid Tail Ring: 🧷 1. Set Up the Ring Band (Spiral Cord): Use 8 strands of cord, two strands each in green and orange for the twist. Use a basic spiral braid or Kongo-gumi (round braid) pattern: Arrange your cords evenly on the disk (ex: N, S, E, W positions). Move the bottom left to the top left, then top right to bottom right. Rotate the disk and repeat to make a spiral cord about 5–6 cm long. 🧚 2. Form the Ring Loop: Fold the braided cord into a loop to fit your finger size. Secure the loop base with a purple-wrapped joint (you can sew or tightly wrap with purple thread or floss). Use a dab of glue or melt ends lightly to secure. 🐚 3. Create the Mermaid Tail: Use flat macramé-style weaving for the tail. Split the middle part of your cords into two mirrored sides....

Materials Included: ✔️ 3×8 mm flat tube (sleek base) ✔️ 5×10 mm magnetic buckle (easy clasp) ✔️ Premium wax threads: 10 red, 6 green, 8 white (each 55 cm) Step-by-Step Guide: Preparation: Wrap all threads and the flat tube tightly with a 0.5 cm securing thread, then place them into the coiler. Setup: Hang the threads in pairs (as shown). First Weave (Clockwise): Starting from the top (Position 1), follow pattern 96×1-7×8—using the left thread of each pair to coil one full circle clockwise. Second Weave (Counterclockwise): Reverse direction with pattern 1×2-90×91, using the right thread of each pair to coil counterclockwise. Repeat: Alternate between steps 3 and 4 until your bracelet reaches the desired length. Why You’ll Love It: Bold Design: The vibrant red, green, and white checkered pattern stands out with every twist. Secure Fit: The magnetic buckle ensures easy wear while keeping the bracelet snug. Customizable Length: Repeat the weaving steps for a longer or shorter design. Pe...

Discover the art of kumihimo braiding and create your own beautiful handmade accessories . A kumihimo bracelet is a unique piece of DIY jewelry that can add a personal touch to any outfit. Kumihimo braiding is an ancient Japanese technique that involves interlacing cords or threads to create intricate patterns. This traditional craft has been revived in modern times as a popular method for creating handmade jewelry . With a few simple tools and some patience, you can create a stunning kumihimo bracelet that reflects your personal style. Key Takeaways Create unique handmade accessories with kumihimo braiding Learn an ancient Japanese technique with modern applications Make a beautiful piece of DIY jewelry with simple tools Add a personal touch to your outfit with a handmade kumihimo bracelet Develop your crafting skills with this traditional technique The Ancient Art of Kumihimo Braiding Originating in Japan, kumihimo braiding has a rich history that spans centuries, influencing...

  Materials: * 4 x 100cm lengths of 12-strand dark blue cord * 4 x 100cm lengths of 12-strand mist blue cord * 4 x 100cm lengths of 12-strand sky blue cord * 4 x 100cm lengths of 12-strand white cord * Several lengths of 3-strand dark blue wrapping cord (any color works) * 20cm of 4mm plastic tubing * 72-position coiling tool Instructions: 1. Gather all cords and loosely tie them together at the center. 2. Route each cord individually through the center point. 3. Begin coiling from the bottom layer of cords. 4. See Figure 1 for initial cord arrangement and Figure 2 for the appearance after one coil on each side. Tip: Use dark blue to create a gradient effect and outline. Pro Tip:  For extra dimension, use  metallic threads  or mix satin with matte cords. The contrast enhances the scale illusion! Would you like a color diagram of the thread movements or bead placement suggestions? 😊