Beginner’s Kumihimo Braiding: Simple Patterns and Techniques

Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese form of braiding that involves interlacing strands of thread, yarn, or cord to create beautiful and intricate designs. Kumihimo braiding is a popular craft that has been enjoyed for centuries and is still being practiced today.

What is Kumihimo?

Kumihimo are a type of Japanese cord that has been used for years. The cords are made by taking several bundles with dozens of threads each, rolling them around bobbins, and then braiding the bundles together in a vertical criss-cross pattern.

Trying out Kumihimo Braiding

If you are a beginner to Kumihimo braiding, there are several simple patterns and techniques that you can learn to get started. Here are some of the basic techniques and patterns you can try:

The Round Braid

This is the most common and basic Kumihimo braid. 

To make this braid, you will need:

Kumihimo disk or plate, 8 strands of cord or thread, and a weight to keep the strands taut.

Instructions:

  • Tie the 8 strands of cord together in a knot at the end. 
  • Then, thread each strand through one of the notches on the Kumihimo disk. 
  • Arrange the strands so that they are opposite each other in pairs.
  • Next, take the bottom left strand and cross it over the top left strand, then bring it under the two middle strands and up through the gap between the top right and middle right strands.
  • Then, take the top right strand and cross it over the middle right strand, then bring it under the two middle strands and up through the gap between the bottom left and middle left strands.
  • Continue this pattern, alternating between the left and right sides until the braid reaches the desired length.

The Square Braid

This braid is similar to the round braid, but creates a square pattern instead. 

To make this braid, you will need:

a Kumihimo square plate, 8 strands of cord or thread, and a weight to keep the strands taut.

Instructions:

  • To start, tie the 8 strands of cord together in a knot at the end. 
  • Then, thread each strand through one of the notches on the Kumihimo square plate. 
  • Arrange the strands so that they are opposite each other in pairs.
  • Next, take the bottom left strand and cross it over the top left strand, then bring it under the two middle strands and up through the gap between the top right and middle right strands.
  • Then, take the top right strand and cross it over the middle right strand, then bring it under the two middle strands and up through the gap between the bottom right and middle right strands.
  • Continue this pattern, alternating between the left and right sides until the braid reaches the desired length.

Adding Additional Details: 

Adding Beads: You can also add beads to your Kumihimo braids for an extra touch of style. To do this, string the beads onto the cord or thread before you start braiding. Then, incorporate the beads into the braid by placing them between the strands as you braid.

Switching Colors: You can also switch colors of cord or thread as you braid to create a pattern. To do this, simply tie off one color and start braiding with the new color.

Key Takeaways

These are just a few basic techniques and patterns to get you started with Kumihimo braiding. As you become more comfortable with the craft, you can experiment with more complex patterns and designs. Happy braiding!

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