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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

DIY Kumihimo Braiding Tutorials

Kumihimo braiding has become an incredibly popular technique for jewelry making, and it has been showing up in some of our favorite magazines, issue after issue. As with other fiber and weaving methods, like crochet, you can use a lot of beads, a few beads, or no beads at all, to make a variety of stunning designs.

The word Kumihimo means “the coming together of threads” in Japanese. The technique of braiding the fibers is done with special round looms, which are a little reminiscent of knitting spools. Different types of threads and cords can be woven together, with our without beads, in a beautiful variety of patterns.

Kumihimo Braiding Jewelry Projects


If you’re interested in trying out this exciting technique, here are a few tips and tutorials to help you get started:

Kumihimo Bracelet Basics

Kumihimo Disk and Bracelet Tutorial

Kumihimo Round Braid Tutorial and Pattern

Flat Braid with Hearts Kumihimo Pattern

Kumihimo Friendship Bracelet

Kumihimo Crystal Bracelet Project

Have you tried Kumihimo braiding before? What do you like about it?

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8 comments:

  1. Almost PreciousAugust 31, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    I have made a few of the very basic Kumihimo braided ropes but have not done any of the complicated weaves nor have I tried adding beads to the braids ... yet. I find it's fun to do and rather relaxing. I have a wonderful textile artist friend who makes special silk threads for use in this type of braiding ... she also hand-dyes the silk and her color combinations are just gorgeous.

    Some day I'll have to try doing a more sophisticated braid or try it with beads.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Almost PreciousAugust 31, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    ps - Thanks so much for the links to the tutorials. I will be checking them out. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownSeptember 1, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    You know I have a disc but have jet to try it. Thanks for the links!

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  4. Sally AndersonSeptember 1, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    I have done just one little bit and then I got some cords ready and on the bobbins and never started the project. Slapping my head. Really, I need to get going on these projects.

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  5. SewickedSeptember 12, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    I've made a few things; some experiments and one very nice necklace. Simple (& hard to see) black cord with a silver pendant.

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  6. MetalMuseNovember 4, 2012 at 3:17 PM

    The first picture you have of the Kumhimo Disk: what brand is it? Or do you have a link as to where I can purchase it? I have seen the basic white foam disks, but not one like that. Thanks!!

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  7. WTF StoreNovember 6, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    I can't tell from the picture what brand the disk is, and there's no mention in the tutorial. I had a look through several websites, including Etsy, and couldn't find any similar ones. Most shops seem to favor the Beadsmith version.

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  8. AngieJanuary 16, 2013 at 6:30 AM

    The technique you've used (shown above) looks similar when using the square kumihimo board. I have made several sets using the kumihimo and I love it!! Especially using the long magatama beads - OMG! Absolutely beautiful! I love how you can use any type of string and any type of beads. I can't wait to make something with the square kumihimo plate! Woo hoo! (doing the happy dance!)

    ReplyDelete