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

By admin -
Image
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...
Post a Comment

Kumihimo Bobbins: The Essential Guide for Organized Braiding

By -


Why Use Bobbins for Kumihimo?

Bobbins are crucial tools that:

  • Prevent thread tangling

  • Maintain even tension

  • Allow for longer braids without mess

  • Keep colors organized in complex patterns

  • Make the braiding process smoother and faster

Types of Kumihimo Bobbins

1. Traditional Wooden Tama (玉)

  • Material: Japanese oak or cherry wood

  • Features:

    • Smooth, rounded edges

    • Central groove for thread

    • Comes in various weights (5g, 10g, 15g)

  • Best for: Marudai braiding

  • Advantages:

    • Authentic traditional experience

    • Beautiful craftsmanship

    • Perfect weight distribution

2. Plastic Kumihimo Bobbins

  • Features:

    • Lightweight (2-5g)

    • Notch or clip for securing thread

    • Often transparent to see thread color

  • Best for: Foam disk braiding

  • Advantages:

    • Affordable

    • Easy to find in craft stores

    • Great for beginners

3. Self-Winding Bobbins

  • Features:

    • Internal winding mechanism

    • Adjustable tension

    • Plastic or metal construction

  • Best for: Very long braids

  • Advantages:

    • No need to rewind

    • Consistent tension

    • Saves time

4. DIY/Alternative Bobbins

  • Options:

    • Clothespins

    • Paper bobbins

    • Empty thread spools

    • Washers with thread tied through

  • Best for: Temporary solutions

  • Advantages:

    • Uses items you already have

    • Good for trying kumihimo before investing

How to Use Kumihimo Bobbins

Winding Thread Properly

  1. Hold thread end against bobbin

  2. Wind evenly in figure-8 pattern

  3. Leave 6-8" of unwound thread

  4. Secure end in notch or with tape

Loading Bobbins on Marudai

  1. Hang bobbins evenly around stand

  2. Ensure equal thread lengths

  3. Adjust weights for balanced tension

Using Bobbins with Foam Disk

  1. Wind about 2 yards of thread per bobbin

  2. Let bobbins hang below work surface

  3. Keep at equal heights for even tension

Choosing the Right Bobbins

Project TypeRecommended Bobbin
Traditional marudai workWooden tama (10g)
Jewelry on foam diskLight plastic bobbins
Very long braidsSelf-winding bobbins
Beaded kumihimoSmall notch bobbins
Experimental workDIY/clothespin bobbins

Top Bobbin Brands

  1. Domyo (Authentic Japanese wooden tama)

  2. BeadSmith (Affordable plastic bobbins)

  3. Clover (Quality self-winding options)

  4. Handy Hands (Good mid-range choices)

Bobbin Care & Maintenance

  • Store wooden tama in dry conditions

  • Clean plastic bobbins periodically

  • Check for rough edges that might snag thread

  • Replace if cracks develop

  • For weighted bobbins, ensure weights are secure

Pro Tips for Bobbin Use

  • Use different colored bobbins to match thread colors

  • Wind extra thread for complex patterns

  • For heavy threads, use heavier bobbins

  • Keep a small container to hold bobbins while working

  • Label bobbins if using many colors

Whether you're using traditional wooden tama or simple plastic bobbins, these tools will transform your kumihimo experience from frustrating to effortless. Invest in good quality bobbins that suit your projects, and you'll immediately notice improved results in your braiding work.

For beginners, we recommend starting with basic plastic bobbins, then exploring traditional tama as you advance in the craft. Happy braiding! 

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