What equipment do I need to start braiding the Japanese way? Very little and that’s why it’s so easy to start with just a small outlay for your Kumihimo disk……most of the other supplies you probably already have!
The Kumihimo Disk Kithas everything you need to make your first braid
Kumihimo Disk Threads A basic sewing kit Extra equipment (useful but not necessary to get started)
A Kumihimo Disk Kumihimo is the ancient Japanese art of braiding, traditionally worked on a Maru-dai, a round wooden stand, that requires the use of weights and bobbins. The Kumihimo disk is a modern, lightweight, portable version of this, which allows braiding to be worked almost anywhere. The Kumihimo disk has slots around the edge which help to keep the tension in your braid and eliminates the need for weights. The slots hold your threads securely so they can’t be accidentally knocked out (by a curious animal or child). If interrupted and you have to put the disc down it is simple and easy to start braiding again without disrupting your pattern…perfect for the busy braider!
Threads For your first braids, a medium weight smooth thread or yarn is easy to work with, but you can get started right away with whatever threads you have on hand. Kumihimo braids were traditionally made from silk threads. Braider’s still use silk today, but also cotton embroidery floss, rayon threads, knitting ribbon, hand spun yarn, fine cord - even gold and silver wire for jewellery. Soon you’ll be inspired by different yarns and create fabulous and unique combinations of your own.
What length of thread do I need? As a general guide the length of thread for each warp is 2 – 3 times the finished length of the braid you require. If you are using a thicker yarn or beads on the warp, the longer that warp will need to be at the start. The patterns for braids here at Braid & Bead Studio have all been rigorously tested and will give you an accurate guide to the length you need.
A basic sewing kit Many of you will have this equipment readily at hand. Scissors Strong sewing thread in a colour to blend with your braid.
Extra equipment Very useful but not absolutely necessary to get started! Bobbins: These can be embroidery thread discs, pieces of cardboard, or EZ-bobs. Very useful when making longer braids to keep warps neat and tangle free. End Caps with clasp attached: For finishing the ends of your braid neatly when making a bracelet or necklace Craft Glue: Clear drying is best. Beads: to embellish your braids. Individual patterns will give details of what size and how to use. A simple way to start using beads is to thread your finished braid through a bead with a large hole for an instant feature. Finish with your end caps and voila and designer choker!
Some other information you need to know…
About the Disk There are four dots on the disk at the following positions: Between slots 32 and 1 (North) Between slots 16 and 17 (South) Between slots 8 and 9 (East) Between slots 24 and 25 (West)
The starting position of threads for the basic round 8 braid is placed either side of these dots.
What is a Warp? Each of these threads is most properly called a warp. A simple braid to begin has 8 warps. More complicated designs for the disk can have up to 16 warps.
Click HEREfor instructions to start Braiding the Japanese way – It’s as easy as A, B, C
For lots of tips and tricks with beautiful braiding patterns to inspire you check out my new book How To Kumihimo
All images and patterns are copyright of Braid & Bead Studio 2010. All prices are in Australian Dollars and include GST. Braid and Bead Studio: Brisbane Australia (ABN 90 816 914 870)
