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

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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...
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Mermaid Tail Ring

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🌊 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.

Weave diagonal half-hitches or square knots outward to form a wide "V" shape on each side.

Tighten and shape as you go — you want the top to look like a mermaid’s tail fin.

Use alternating colors to form the striped tail pattern.


🪡 4. Secure the Tail and Finish:

Tie off or stitch the ends at the base of the tail.

Use purple cord again to wrap around the base of the tail for neatness and match the ring loop.

Trim excess and secure with glue or heat.



✅ Tips:

Practice the tail flat on a board with pins if you’re new to shaping.

Adjust size by making a longer or shorter ring band.

Experiment with metallic threads for a magical shimmer! 



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