Kumihimo is Japanese braiding. Traditionally, it is done with a tool called a marudai, which resembles a small stool with a hole in the middle. Nowadays, kumihimo is often done on square or round foam disks with slots around the edge. These are inexpensive and make it easier to learn the sequence of moves required to make a braid. Small differences in the sequence of moves and the starting arrangement of the cords can result in an almost infinite variety of patterns.
In particular - these classes introduced beads into the braids, with an end result that Marg says "looks exactly like bead crochet!"
Here are some images of her pieces from the classes, and just practicing and experimenting after class.
This one shows various types of braids, just using the cord with out the beads.
If you want to give Kumihimo a try yourself, there are square disks and round disks - which produce different kinds of braids (you can do flat braids with the square disk and round (in cross section) with the round disk.
(Click on the image to go to that product on the website.)
(Click on the image to go to that product on the website.)
The bobbins are useful for keeping your threads from getting all tangled up.
(Click on the image to go to that product on the website.)
We have a couple of books on technique, and more coming soon!
(Click on the image to go to that product on the website.)
(Click on the image to go to that product on the website.)
For cord, you can use a medium weight cord like C-Lon Bead Cord or something more exotic like Satin Rattail Cord or Mousetail. If you are adding beads, Size 6/0 or 8/0 beads will fit on the C-Lon cord. For smaller beads, try the Miyuki Crochet thread or Sono Beading Thread.
2 comments:
The links come up as errors 😔
Well - the post is 12 years old - so not too surprising. Look for our Kumi supplies here:
https://www.beadfx.com/catalogue/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=0&keyword=kumihimo
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