Kumihimo Braiding

KUMIHIMO BRAIDING
 

Kumihimo, a method of braiding silk threads developed in Japan, is traditionally performed on special wooden stands called Maru Dai and Takadai. The literal translation of Kumihimo means the "coming together (kumi) of threads (himo)". Many crafters use small, portable foam or plastic versions of maru dai as alternative to the traditional wooden stands Kumihimo braids were originally used as kimono ties, cording and belts for clothing, and closures for Samurai armor. The braids are durable and beautiful and have patterns in them that are formed by varying the sequence of thread movements while creating the braids. Modern crafters create kumihimo braids out of many different fibers besides silk and the braids are made into jewelry, hatbands, belts or decorative knotting and embellishments.

Kumihimo Braiding Plate - $7.95

This 6" x 6" plates is made from 3/8 dense foam and produces a flattened, thicker braid.  Includes illustrated instructions in English as well as 3 project ideas.

Jewelry  designs and instructions by Anne Dilker.  For more techniques and information about Kumihimo braids for jewelry designs, see Anne's book listed below, "Braiding for Beaders".

 

 

 
Kumihimo Braiding Disk - $7.95

This braiding disk is 6" in diameter and made of 3/8 dense foam creates a rounded braid.  Includes illustrated instructions in English as well as 3 project ideas.

Jewelry  designs and instructions by Anne Dilker.  For more techniques and information about Kumihimo braids for jewelry designs, see Anne's book listed below, "Braiding for Beaders".

 

 


 
Mini - Kumihimo Braiding Disk - $4.95

This braiding disk is 4.15" in diameter and made of 3/8 dense foam creates a rounded braid.  Includes illustrated instructions, tips and a project idea.

 


 Kumihimo Braiding Kit for Beginners - $29.95

This Kumihimo braiding kit for beginners includes everything you need to make your first kumihimo creation.  The kit includes the kumihimo braiding disc, Zap jewelry gel, 8 Bob-EEZ No Tangle thread bobbins, a findings kit, plus a rattail braid color mix.

 


Kumihimo Bob-EEZ - $5.50

No-Tangle Thread Bobbins - 2 1/2 inch -
8 Bobbins per bag.

 

   

 

KUMIHIMO BOOKS

NECKLACES BRAIDED on the Kumihimo Disk -
Karen DeSousa

Necklaces Braided on the Kumihimo Disk is a step-by-step instruction book that tells you how to make and finish a stunning array of necklaces. Whether you are a beginner or advanced braider this book has something for you. It includes move by move instructions for four braids. The section on braiding with beads shows you how to add beads of all sizes to your necklaces without ruining your disk. Fancy finishes shows you how to dress up the closures. From project inception to the final touch, this book will inspire you to create your own stunning necklaces.



$24.95

MORE NECKLACES BRAIDED on the Kumihimo Disk - Karen DeSousa

More Necklaces Braided on the Kumihimo Disk has more of everything!  More patterns.  More necklaces.  More great tips for making and finishing braids.  It's suitable for beginners and challenging enough for more experienced braiders. 

The book revisits the rounded braid (for beginners) and pumps it up by adding seed beads and finishes without findings.  The Laramie Twist, the 16 Bobbin Roundabout, a different braid called the Top and Bottom Tango that lets you evenly space out beads and crystals, and the Color Tipped Swirl which puts an edge of color to a fabulous twist braid.  If that weren't enough, the book then tells you how to turn these great braids into beautiful necklaces.  Elegant, artistic and fun!  Softcover. 
36 pages.  8 1/2" x 11".

 


$24.95

 
BRAIDING WITH BEADS ON KUMIHIMO - Karen DeSousa

Most braiders never get past the basic round braid, and that's okay because there's so much you can do with it. Start off by designing your own project and then proceed through 12 different necklace and bracelet projects. You'll learn about the various textures provided by different shapes and finishes of beads. Plus, you'll learn how to create patterns with color and how to prep, braid and finish each project. From a Retro 50s look to an Out of this World lariat, this book is filled with braiding inspiration. Softcover, 36 pages, measures 8-1/2" x 11".



BK1744.jpg

THE 3rd ALL NEW MICRO MACRAME BOOK -
Kris Buchanan

This is the third is a series of Micro-Macrame books.  This installment features 10 new and original projects which "mix it up" with many variations and the use of interesting items like "O" rings and Chinese Knitting cord in the designs.  Projects include necklaces, pendants, components and even a book mark.  This book is intended for intermediate beaders with some micro-macrame experience.  Included are "secrets" for perfecting your Micro-Macrame knotting to make every project look crisp and professional plus three pages of ideas and tips for creating your own sculpture designs.  Full color step-by-step photos throughout.  Soft Cover.  32 pages.  8 1/2" x 11".

 


$24.95

 
BRAIDING FOR BEADERS-2nd Edition - Anne Dilker

This second edition of a highly popular book on Kumihimo braiding for jewelry designers adds four new papers with instructions for a focal Celtic knot and 2 new bracelet projects; more discussion of beaded braids; and an expanded explanation of the 4-warp braid.  The majority of the projects use a very easy-to-make 8-warp round braid that seems to be the most popular with beaders and jewelry designers.  The 8-warp braid is quick to make on the foam disk (shown at the top of the page), is easy to master and lends it nicely to jewelry design.

 


$23.95

 
JAPANESE BRAIDING - The Art of Kumihimo -
Jacqui Carey

Jacqui Carey provides a fresh approach to the ancient craft of Japanese braiding.  Clear step-by-step color photographs guide the beginner through the creation of six different types of braid:  Square, Round, Flat, Honeycomb, Hollow and Rounded Flat.  Originally published as "Beginner's  Guide to Braiding:  The Craft of Kumihimo" (large soft cover) this publication is more compact and lays for for easy use.  It is an excellent lead in to Carey's more sophisticated title "Creative Kumihimo". 

Hard cover with concealed wire binding, the book measures - 6 1/4" x 8 3/4", with 96 pages.

 


$21.95

CREATIVE KUMIHIMO

This book contains advanced patterns for the Marudai, using 4, 8 and 16 tamas (bobbins). It's important to understand that the Kumihimo shown in the pictures are described at the end of the book. The patterns let you see how the colors will affect the results and help you to  plan ahead to get the effect you desire. 

While the book is not recommend for beginners, it is full of information and braid patterns.  Once a person has learned how to do the braiding using Jacqui Carey's beginner's book, this book is a great resource for different patterns that are more intricate. This book is recommend for people who already know how to do Kumihimo braiding and want to expand their braiding abilities.

 


CREATIVE KUMIHIMO
$29.95

   

Kumihimo & Pendant Ribbon

50% Cotton, 40% Nylon and 10% Polymide combine to produce
a subtly colored matte and shiney ribbon yarn.  Suitable as a jewelry
cord or combined with other elements in Kumihimo braids.

Each card contains 4 yards of 6 gorgeous and distinctive color
combinations of ribbon yarn (24 yards total).

$14.95 each


On the Surface
Embellishments for the Fiber Artist
Ribbon Yarn RY-1


On the Surface
Embellishments for the Fiber Artist
Ribbon Yarn RY-2

 

See Also Special Effects Ribbons

 


 

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