Instructions:
FREE PROJECTS
TO LEARN HOW TO
KUMIHIMO WITH BEADS
KUMIHIMO INSTRUCTIONS:
Free Projects to Learn
How to Kumihimo with Beads
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page 2
KUMIHIMO INSTRUCTIONS:
Free Projects to Learn
How to Kumihimo with Beads
Kumihimo, the ancient Japanese art of braiding, has Learn a little bit about the history of kumihimo, its
wound its way into the hearts of beaders around the origins in Japan, and a little bit about the traditional
world. Beaded kumihimo is popping up in beaded jewelry supplies and looms used to create kumihimo braids.
designs using the newest beads and some very old braiding
techniques. Some of the first kumihimo braids were made Use your free basic kumihimo instructions to get
for soldiers who needed a way to secure saddles and gear started learning how to do kumihimo with beads.
to their horses, but these days, youre more likely to see Get ideas for how to finish and use your kumihimo
kumihimo with beads being used as handles for handbags, braids for all sorts of beaded jewelry design ideas,
stunning necklaces made with gemstones, and fabulous accessories, and home dcor projects.
beaded bracelets.
Finally, try your hand at Suzanne Brancas fabulous
Beaded kumihimo makes a wonderfully portable craft,
Kumihimo Splash kumihimo pattern using gorgeous
once youve loaded your beads onto the threads placed
3-cut glass beads.
on your kumihimo disk. Using a small, lightweight foam
kumihimo disk means that you can take your kumihimo Are you ready to try kumihimo braiding? Creative
projects along with you wherever you go. kumihimo projects are at your fingertips with our free
eBook! Enjoy!
Kumihimo supplies are easy to come find at your favorite
local bead shop, too. Foam discs come in several sizes and Bead Happy,
shapes for different types of kumihimo braiding, and as long
as you have a big-eye needle handy for loading beads onto
your threads, youre all ready to do kumihimo with beads!
If youve never tried kumihimo but are eager to learn, weve
pulled together a few of our favorite Beading Daily kumihimo
blogs and added a free kumihimo pattern to get you started! Jennifer VanBenschoten, Beading Daily editor
Make Mixed Media Jewelry: 4 Free Projects for Incorporating Found Objects in your Beaded Jewelry
editor, beadingdaily JENNIFER VANBENSCHOTEN
production designer JANICE TAPIA / photography JOE COCA, ANN SWANSON
Projects and information are for inspiration and personal use only. BeadingDaily, Beadwork, and Stringing do not recommend, approve, or endorse any of the
advertisers, products, services, or views advertised in this publication. Nor do BeadingDaily, Beadwork, or Stringing evaluate the advertisers claims in any way. You
should, therefore, use your own judgment in evaluating the advertisers, products, services, and views advertised in BeadingDaily, Beadwork, and Stringing.
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page 3
Do You Kumihimo?
JENNIFER VANBENSCHOTEN
Necklace by Giovanna
Imperia. Image from
Kumihimo Wire Jewelry.
Photo by Jack Zilker.
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Learn Kumihimo As Easy As 1-2-3
JENNIFER VANBENSCHOTEN
Once you have your threads cut, tie them It really only takes two steps to learn basic
all together using an overhand knot. Place kumihimo, and here they are.
the knot in the center of the hold in your
For step one, take the cord that sits to
kumihimo disc, and space them so that there
the right of the dot at the top (in the twelve
is one thread on either side of a black dot.
oclock position) at the top of your disc.
Note that Im not using the front of the Move it down to the right of the two cords
One of the best classes I took last disc with all the numbers. Jill told us that at the bottom (six oclock position) at the
summer at Bead Fest Philadelphia was looking at all those numbers would just bottom of your disc.
Easy Kumihimo with Beads, taught by Jill confuse a lot of people, and shes right.
Wiseman. Easy, fun, and wildly addicting, Youll also find the black dots on the front
I returned home with a whole bag of of the disc, so just use a permanent marker
kumihimo supplies and project ideas, and to mark them on the back of your disc. For
I havent stopped making these beautiful basic kumihimo like this, just four dots is all
beaded braids since then! you need!
A number of you have asked for a basic
beaded kumihimo tutorial, and here it is.
Learning kumihimo is much easier than
you might think it isyour basic kumihimo
braid only requires two moves of the
cords to make a braid that you can use for
bracelets, purse straps, and even spectacular
beaded necklaces. Enjoy!
Materials:
1 spool C-Lon cord in color to match or Next, take the cord all the way to the
contrast with seed beadsd Using a big eye needle, string your beads left at the bottom (six oclock position) of
For a 7" bracelet, youll need about 30 onto each strand of cord. For a 7" bracelet, the disc and move it up to the left of the
grams of size 6o seed beads youll need about 42 beads per strand, or 6 remaining cord at the top (twelve oclock
beads per inch. Once youve added all the position) of your disc.
Tools: beads for each strand, wrap the remaining
Rotate your disc so that the dot at the top
Big-eye needle cord around a bobbin.
of the disc is to your right (or left). Repeat
Foam kumihimo disc
You can always add more beads if you the two moves of the cord, moving the top
8 plastic bobbins
run out, but its harder to add more thread. right to the bottom right, and the bottom
Scissors or thread cutter
Make sure that your cords are the correct left to the top left. Rotate your disc again
Before you get started, measure your length before you start braiding! (always in the same direction), and youve
thread and cut 8 strands that are 3 times just learned how to do basic kumihimo!
the length of your desired finished length.
To help you remember the moves of the
Remember: its easy to add more beads as
cords for this, Jill taught us a little mantra:
you braid, but you cant add more thread,
downright uplifting. Repeat that a few times
so always make your threads a little longer
as you reposition the cords, and always
than you might anticipate.
remember to keep turning your disc in the
same direction.
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page 5
Before we actually start adding beads,
youll need to braid for about 1 inch. This is Finish your move with the cord, wrapping
a great way to practice your moves before it gently over the bead to hold it in place. It
adding the beads into your kumihimo braid! should not, at any time, pop up from its
As you work, youll see the braid coming
position under those two cords to the right.
out the back of the kumihimo disc. Until you
have at least an inch of beads, its not a bad
idea to gently hold on to the braid with your
non-dominant hand to give it a little tension
as you work.
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page 6
Where Will Kumihimo Take You? Everywhere!
JENNIFER VANBENSCHOTEN
Have you ever learned a new beading 2. Make your ends a little longer for a
technique that just sent you over the edge, button closure. Ive got this wonderful bag
creatively? Ever since I learned how to do of Italian metal buttons from Natural Touch
kumihimo at Bead Fest Philadelphia this Beads that are just begging for me to use
year, my brain has been on creative overload them. Instead of using end caps or cones
with all kinds of ideas for using this fast and to finish off your kumihimo piece, why not
fabulous Japanese braiding technique to make your ends a little longer than usual
make all kinds of beaded jewelry designs. and use those braids to make a button and
loop closure? Or make a necklace extension
I took my first basic kumihimo with beads
that can be removed and used as a bracelet
class on a Thursday night, and by Saturday,
by adding two button and loop closures to
I was ready to take Jills beyond the basics
your piece.
class where we learned how to do things like
add a focal bead in the center of a kumihimo
braid, make a twisted kumihimo braid with
a hollow center, and make a kumihimo cord
with a clean end.
So, seeing that I had seven hours in the
car on my way home, I started thinking
about all the cool things I can do with
my new kumihimo skills. Even if youre a
kumihimo beginner, heres a list of ideas to
get you going on some new projects:
1. Make a necklace centerpiece. Sure,
kumihimo bracelets work up fast with those
lovely size 6o seed beads, but why not take
that bracelet, make it a little longer, and use
it as the centerpiece of a necklace? You can 3. Use your kumihimo braids for Now, if you know the basics of kumihimo
practice your finishing techniques for the handles. When done properly, these beaded and want to start doing some more
ends using your favorite caps and cones, kumihimo braids are incredibly strong. Ive exploring on your own, you need to check
and then mix it up with some stringing or got a handful of felted bags hanging around out Kumihimo Wire Jewelry by Giovanna
your favorite beaded rope. Mixing in a few that are just waiting for beaded straps, and Imperia. While most of the projects are
gemstone beads or handmade ceramic I think these beaded kumihimo braids are designed to be made with wire, you can
beads will also help add character to your just the thing! I can use any leftover beads easily adapt them to your favorite fibers
kumihimo necklace! from the straps to embellish the felted bags. or nylon and satin cord. There are twenty
If you dont make felted bags, you can always kumihimo projects for both the round
add a strap to your favorite handbag or tote and flat disks, and plenty of inspiration for
bag, too! adding your favorite beads and chain as
embellishments to your finished kumihimo
Does it seem like Im totally hooked on
jewelry. Get your copy of Kumihimo Wire
kumihimo? Its such a fun and easy beading
Jewelry and find all the instruction and
project! My next ventures into kumihimo
inspiration you need to take your kumihimo
will be learning how to make braids with
projects from easy to awesome!
wire, creating my own beaded patterns
for my round kumihimo braids, and using Whats your favorite kumihimo
the square kumihimo looms to make flat technique? Have you been playing with new
braids instead of the round braids Ive been ways to finish your braids? Designing your
working on for the last few weeks. When own bead patterns for beaded kumihimo
it comes to learning this new beading braids? Leave a comment and share your
technique, it seems like kumihimo is taking newest kumihimo technique discoveries
Buttons make great closures for beaded
me to some very cool places creatively! with us!
kumihimo bracelets and necklaces.
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page 7
Options for Finishing Your Kumihimo Braids
JENNIFER VANBENSCHOTEN
beading wire through the space between kumihimo braid for use in attaching a clasp
the plain braid and the beaded braid, and to the finished project. This could also be
through the end cap. Slip on a bead, a crimp, used to attach a button for finishing, and
and your clasp, squash the crimp, and then then making a loop with the other unbeaded
thread the ends of the beading wire back end of the braid as suggested previously.
down into the end cap.
Again, since I have trust issues with
2. Use the ends for button and loop glue, the other way to finish your beaded
closures. Of course, because I have these kumihimo ropes is to make a shorter braid
trust issues with glue, I thought about using at the beginning and end of each piece, and
Above: Jill Wiseman gets me hooked on the braided ends to create a button and loop then insert a piece of craft wire, making a
kumihimo. closure on a simple bracelet. It worked! wrapped loop around the plain braid. Leave
I blame it all on Beadwork magazine enough wire to accommodate your end cap,
Make one end of the plain braid long
Designer of the Year Jill Wiseman. Jill is slip on the end cap, and then make another
enough that you can tie it into a small loop,
infamous for getting hundreds of beaders wrapped loop where you can attach your
and sew your button to that small loop.
hooked on doing kumihimo with beads clasp. Look, ma, no glue!
Make the other end long enough to wrap
through her amazing and easy-to-follow
around that button, and then tie off the long 4. Make Your Own Endcaps. Ill be
classes at big bead shows like Bead Fest
thread ends. (And, yes, a little bit of glue exploring this last one in greater depth over
Philadelphia.
would help to keep those loops secure.) the coming weeks: the idea of making your
Last summer, I decided to see what all own beautiful, custom beaded endcaps
When youre working this technique for
the fuss was about, and signed up for one of to finish your beaded kumihimo braids. I
making a button and loop closure on your
Jills kumihimo classes. The name sounded mean, why not? Sometimes, I think life is
kumihimo braids, just take care to leave
innocent enough: Basic Kumihimo With too short to use pre-made jewelry findings.
extra-long thread tails so that you can work
Beads. Harmless, right? Just another fun Why not tap into all your bead-weaving
them into the braid with a needle without
beading class with a bunch of fun ladies? skills and use your favorite beading stitches
too much difficulty.
like peyote, herringbone, or even tubular
Well, after that one class, I was hooked. right-angle weave to create your own
And not just hooked, like having a summer custom kumihimo endcaps?
crush on the cute lifeguard at the pool. Were
talking maniacal, borderline obsessive- Have you been bit by the kumihimo bug?
compulsive disorder, here. I cant go for a Make sure you check out all the fabulous
long ride in the car without bringing along ideas for making and using kumihimo
a couple of foam kumihimo discs, loaded braids in Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing
with beads and threads. Even my five-year- magazines! Find inspiration with product
old son has gotten into kumihimo, learning reviews, bead news, basic and advanced
from his momma how to string beads onto techniques, and innovative beading projects
the threads using a big-hole needle! from your favorite designers. Make sure
you subscribe to one (or both) of these
So now that Ive been bitten by the comprehensive beading resources, and
kumihimo bug (thanks a lot, Jill), Im looking check out all the great deals!
for different ways to finish those pesky ends
of my beaded kumihimo braids. So far, heres Do you have a great idea for finishing
what Ive come up with: My five-year-old son gets in on the action your beaded kumihimo ropes? Do you have
and helps me load a set of beads for a trust issues with your glue, like me? Do you
1. Glue, beading wire, and end caps. kumihimo braid. prefer the wrapped loop method? Leave a
The easiest way to finish your kumihimo comment on the Beading Daily blog and
braids is the way I learned in Jills class, 3. Add a piece of wire to one end. I share your tips and techniques with us!
using a glue like E6000 and a pair of end havent quite mastered it, yet, but theres a
caps. Tie off your braid using beading thread way to insert a small piece of craft wire or
and snip it, then coat the plain braid with beading wire at the very beginning of your
a generous amount of glue. Slip a piece of
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page 8
kumihimo splash 1) CLASP LOOP. Set up the kumihimo
disk and work a braided section without
beads to form a clasp loop:
Suzanne Branca Set-up: Cut eight 60" strands of cord.
Gather them so the cords are parallel
Ready for a fun and easy project? Use a Japanese and knot them together temporarily at
the center. Feed one end of the cords
braiding technique known as kumihimo to make through the kumihimo disk so the
knot is underneath. Distribute the
a colorful bracelet with a button closure and a 8 cords around the disk as shown in
playful tassel. the box on p. 41 (Fig. 1).
Braid: Follow the braiding pattern shown
for 2" or long enough to fit around
your clasp button (Figs. 2 and 3).
Loop: Remove the cords from the disk
and undo the temporary knot. Fold
the braided section in half to form a
loop, feed the loop through the center
of the kumihimo disk, and arrange the
cords around the disk as before, but
this time use a pair of cords in each
slot. Attach the weight to the loop.
TECHNIQUE
kumihimo braiding
PROJECT LEVEL
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page 9
3) TASSEL. Add a button clasp and bead SUZANNE BRANCA of A Grain of Sand has been MATERIALS
embellishment to create a tassel: dabbling in jewelry design for years. She enjoys 25 g Picasso-finish size 6 fire-polished
finding new things to include in her work and to 3-cut seed beads
Button clasp: Undo the temporary knot
share with other beaders. 20 or more 68mm accent beads
at the end of one pair of cords. String
1 glass 18mm button
the button on one cord about " from RESOURCES Check your local bead shop or
Black 3-ply nylon beading cord
the end of the braid, go through the contact: Fray Check seam sealant, C-Lon cord, and
Seam sealant or clear glue
button again to keep it in place, then all other materials: A Grain of Sand (704)
string 3 or 4 seed beads and 1 or 660-3125, www.agrainofsand.com. TOOLS
2 accent beads, each separated by Scissors
knots. Make the rest of the tassel Kumihimo braiding disk
strands the same way but without the Large alligator clip or kumihimo weight
button, using the cords as singles or FINISHED SIZE: 7"
doubles and varying the lengths as
desired. Glue the final knot on each
cord and trim.
KUMIHIMO BR AIDING
1) Hold the disk parallel to the floor 31. Move the cord between notches 4) Using the cords that are now the
with number 32 held away from you. 31 and 32 to the notch between 14 and farthest and closest to you after the
Distribute the cords around the disk 15 (Fig. 2). Rotate the disk one-quarter turn, repeat the established crossover
and through the center hole (Fig. 1). turn clockwise so number 24 is now at pattern as in Steps 2 and 3 until the
Adding a weight or alligator clip to the the far edge (shown at the top of Fig. 3). braid is the desired length.
cords below the disk helps with the 3) Move the cord between notches 5) When making beaded braids, slide
initial tension. The braid will form at 8 and 9 to the notch between 22 and each bead to the center hole as you
the center hole, extending below the 23. Move the cord between notches transfer the cords to their new posi-
disk as you work. 24 and 25 to the notch between 6 and tions around the disk. Moving the
2) Move the cord between notches 7 (Fig. 3). Rotate the disk one-quarter cords back and forth across the disk as
16 and 17 to the notch between 30 and turn clockwise. described above locks each bead in place.
32 32 1 23 24 25
31 1 31 26
30 2 30 2 22
27
29 3 29 3 21
20
28
28
28
4
4
29
19
27
27
5
5
30
18
26
26
6
6
31
17
25
25
7
7
32
16
24
24
8
8
15
23
1
23
9
9
14
22
10
2
22
10
13
21
11
3
21
11
12
20
4
12
20
12
13 13 11 5
19 19
14 18 14 10 6
18 15 15 9 8 7
17 16 17 16
Fig. 1: Distributing the strands to get started. Fig. 2: Repositioning the first two cords. The dotted Fig. 3: Repositioning the second two cords.
Hold the disk parallel to the floor. green line shows the cords movement from its starting After the next quarter-turn, number 15 will be
point to its new position, marked by the red arrow. at the farthest (top) position.
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