Where to Find Size 18 Rattail in the Same Dye Lot for Large Kumihimo Projects?

By admin -
Image
To reliably find size 18 rattail silk in the same dye lot for large Kumihimo projects, you must purchase the entire required quantity in a single batch from a supplier that inventories by lot number. Specialized fiber arts retailers and dedicated online stores, rather than large craft chains, are your best bet, as they often understand the needs of serious braiders and can facilitate bulk orders. The key implication is that planning and purchasing all your material upfront is non-negotiable, as matching a dye lot later is virtually impossible due to natural variations in the dyeing process. Key Takeaways Purchasing your entire project's required skeins in one order from a single supplier is the only reliable method to guarantee a consistent dye lot. Specialized niche retailers and online stores catering to silk ribbon and fine braiding supplies are more likely to stock by and sell from identifiable dye lots than general craft stores. Proactive communication with the supplier befor...
Post a Comment

Kumihimo Cords: A Complete Guide for Beginners

By admin -


Introduction to Kumihimo Cords

Kumihimo cords are the foundation of this beautiful Japanese braiding art. The type of cord you choose affects your braid's texture, flexibility, and appearance. From soft silks to durable synthetics, each material creates unique effects perfect for jewelry, accessories, and decorative projects.

Types of Kumihimo Cords

1. Embroidery Floss (Best for Beginners)

  • Material: Cotton

  • Pros: Affordable, wide color range, easy to find

  • Cons: Can fray if not waxed

  • Best For: Friendship bracelets, lightweight jewelry

  • Brands: DMC, Anchor

2. Satin Rattail Cord

  • Material: Rayon or polyester

  • Pros: Smooth, shiny, drapes beautifully

  • Cons: Slippery for beginners

  • Best For: Necklace cords, elegant braids

  • Brands: Offray, Beadalon

3. Silk Thread (Traditional & Luxurious)

  • Material: 100% silk

  • Pros: Strong, soft, authentic finish

  • Cons: Expensive, requires care

  • Best For: High-end jewelry, kimono ties

  • Brands: Gutermann, YLI

4. Nylon/Polyester Cord (Durable & Versatile)

  • Material: Synthetic

  • Pros: Water-resistant, strong, many colors

  • Cons: Less traditional look

  • Best For: Keychains, bag charms

  • Brands: C-Lon, S-Lon

5. Yarn & Wool (Soft & Chunky)

  • Material: Wool, acrylic, or blends

  • Pros: Thick, cozy texture

  • Cons: Not ideal for fine details

  • Best For: Scarf ties, bohemian-style bracelets

6. Metallic & Specialty Threads (For Sparkle)

  • Material: Metallic polyester or blended fibers

  • Pros: Adds shimmer to designs

  • Cons: Can be stiff or scratchy

  • Best For: Festive jewelry, decorative accents

Choosing the Right Cord for Your Project

Project TypeRecommended Cord
Beginner braceletsEmbroidery floss or S-Lon
Necklaces & pendantsSatin rattail or silk
Keychains & bag charmsNylon (C-Lon) or polyester
Beaded kumihimoThin nylon (size #18 or #24)
Traditional JapaneseSilk or fine rayon

Where to Buy Kumihimo Cords

  • Amazon – Best for bulk packs & starter kits

  • Etsy – Hand-dyed & unique colors

  • Fire Mountain Gems – High-quality silk & nylon

  • Local craft stores (Joann, Michaels) – Embroidery floss & satin cords

Tips for Working with Kumihimo Cords

✔ Wax Your Threads (prevents fraying, especially with cotton)
✔ Use Bobbins (keeps strands organized)
✔ Try Different Thicknesses (thicker cords = chunkier braids)
✔ Mix Materials (e.g., silk + metallic for a luxe look)

Final Thoughts

The right kumihimo cord can transform your braiding experience! Start with embroidery floss or S-Lon for practice, then experiment with satin, silk, and metallic threads for stunning results.

Which cord will you try first? Let me know if you need recommendations for a specific project! 😊🎀 

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