What Is a Kumihimo Bracelet? The Art of Japanese Braiding

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If you've ever seen a beautifully intricate, colorful bracelet and wondered about its origins, you might have stumbled upon a kumihimo bracelet . Far more than just a piece of jewelry, these bracelets are a wearable piece of ancient art. So, what is a kumihimo bracelet, exactly? In a nutshell, it's a bracelet created using a Japanese form of braiding known as Kumihimo (組み紐), which translates to "gathered threads." This craft dates back centuries, originally used for practical and decorative purposes on samurai armor, kimono sashes, and religious artifacts. Today, it's a popular and relaxing craft for people all over the world, resulting in stunning, unique bracelets and jewelry. Let's untangle the history, techniques, and reasons behind the popularity of these beautiful creations. The Deep-Rooted History of Kumihimo You can't fully answer "what is a kumihimo bracelet?" without diving into its rich history. The...
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Coiling Dragon Scale Kumihimo Instructions

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A close-up of an intricate Coiling Dragon Scale Kumihimo braid in vibrant colors, displayed on a wooden or velvet surface. Traditional Japanese tools like bobbins and silk cords scattered artfully around. Elegant, detailed, and artistic tone with soft, focused lighting to showcase the craftsmanship and beauty of the braid.

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? 😊

Comments

  1. YvonneJuly 11, 2025 at 4:24 AM

    Thank you for your article. I am very interested, but I live in the Netherlands and I can hardly buy anything"here. What dou you mean with "the cord"? and what with "wrapping cord"?

    ReplyDelete

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