Kumihimo braid
1. Without moving any beads, pick up the top right-hand cord, and bring it straight down to the right of the two cords in the 6 o’clock position (FIGURE 1). There will now be three cords in the 6 o’clock position.
2. Pick up the bottom left-hand cord, and bring it straight up to the left of the single cord in the 12 o’clock position (FIGURE 2).
3. Turn the disk a quarter turn clockwise so the cords in the 9 o’clock position are now in the 12 o’clock position. This completes the first quarter of one kumihimo sequence.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 three times, and then turn the disk a quarter turn.
5. Repeat steps 1–4 four times for a total of five complete kumihimo sequences.
6. Making sure you begin with a Flowercup cord, work as in steps 1–4, but slide down a single 8/0 from each cord when you move it so that the 8/0 rests under the horizontal cord in the center hole.
7. For the next 30 sequences, work as follows:
- On each Flowercup cord, slide down two 8/0s and a Flowercup bead as a unit.
- On each 8/0 cord, slide down a single 8/0. Keep a consistent but not tight tension, and make sure each bead (or group of beads) sits under the horizontal cord and does not drop to the center of the braid, but rather is positioned along the outside of the braid.
8. Work the last kumihimo sequence by sliding down the remaining 8/0 on each cord, and then work five complete sequences without beads.
9. Pinch the braid below the center hole, unwind the bobbins from the cords, and remove the cords from the disk. Tie an overhand knot with the cords at the end of the braid. Remove the weight from the other end, and gently stretch out the cord to adjust the tension. Check the braid for any Flowercup units that may have dropped inside the braid. Use a pair of pliers or a crochet hook to bring them to the outside of the braid.
10. Cut a 12-in. (30 cm) piece of thread, and wrap it tightly around the end of the braid just below the knot, about 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) away from the beaded section, tying several knots as you wrap. Trim the thread, and cut off the knot at the end of the braid. Dab the end of the braid with E6000 or other adhesive to prevent fraying. Repeat this step on the other end of the braid.
11. Make a second braid.