Kumihimo Braids

I had a great day yesterday learning about an art form I have never heard about before. It is called Kumihimo, and it is an ancient Japanese way of braiding cords. It is traditionally done using fine silk threads to make cords for such things as Kimonos. There is so much I do not know that I won't say more about the history, but I can show you what I made...

Here is the stand we built to do the braiding.

Here is my stand all set up. We used 8 weighted bundles of 5:2 pearlized cotton thread (4 threads per bundle) with the center counter-balanced inside. The whole weaving process is moving the strands around the circle in pairs like a dance and a braid is created inside the stand as you go. You can create an infinite combination of patterns and shapes depending on the way you move your strands. My favorite was the box stitch which I created with the pink and orange combo above. The mustard and green braid is a sampler of 5 different stitches (z formation, s formation, flat, box and circular.)

Top view with the braid starting to form.

Stand showing the braid inside with the weights and counter weight pulling the braid down as I go.

Ta da!

Flat and circular braids.

My two new cords in their new home.

It was really a fun day, and I will be making more of these braids. They are very strong and can be used for curtain pulls, key chains, book marks, dog leashes, etc.

The finished product reminds me of the lanyards we used to make in camp as kids.