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Kumihimo |
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Kumihimo — which means braided cord or coming together of threads — has a long tradition in Japan dating back to the sixth century. Intricate braids were made by monks as a form of meditation, and later exceptionally strong cords were used as part of a Samurai warrior's armor. Even later, kumihimo braids were used for the obijime that fastened the traditional kimono. Today, these braids are used for a variety of purposes, from embellishments for clothing and quilts to jewelry and purse handles.
While kumihimo masters have spent a lifetime perfecting their art, children as young as 9 or 10 years old can get started in this traditional art form. |
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Kumihimo Supplies
 Kumihimo Disks
Kits include a kumihimo disk, instructions and yarn to get
started. Quilter's Fancy has inserted English instructions
based on our Kumihimo demonstration. The diagrams accompanying
the Japanese instructions are easy to follow and provide
the weaving sequences to make cords with several different
patterns.
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 Round Disk
The round Kumihimo disk makes round cords and is perfect for beginners.
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 Square Disk
The square Kumihimo disk makes cords of many shapes including flat cords that resemble rick rack. Weaving on this square disk is more intricate.
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 Beautiful Braiding Made Easy
Here is a smart book about Kumihimo braid making. Numbered photos of different cords refer to easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions for weaving those patterns. This highly recommended book has formulas for cords made on the round disk and the square disk using all sorts of fibers and for blending beads into your cords. Suitable for children age 9 and older.
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Other Kumihimo supplies:
Winding Bobbins: The
fibers draping down from the kumihimo disk can
tangle into a knot in a moment. These patented clear
bobbins prevent tangles and knots. Flip open the bobbin,
lay one end of a fiber inside, wrap the excess fiber
on the bobbin bringing it within 2 inches of the kumihimo
disk. Then flip the bobbin closed. Attach one bobbin
to each of the fibers. As more fiber is needed, simply
pull down on the bobbins. 8 bobbins for $4.
 Fiber: Any fiber that fits in the slots of a kumihimo disk can be made into a cord.
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