Kumi... what? Kumihimo! This is a Japanese braiding technique that lets you create beautiful braided cords. You can do all sorts of things with these elegant cords: turn them into a bracelet, necklace, bag handle, keychain, or belt! Monique shows you how to easily make these cords using the handy Kumihimo disc in a video. Watch along and get started with this braiding technique—either on your own or together with your kids.
Handy Kumihimo disc
This braiding technique has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years. “Kumi” means “braiding” in Japanese, and “himo” means “cord.” Fortunately, we can now use handy Kumihimo discs! With these braiding discs, you can easily make braided cords. The round disc is used to make round cords, and the square disc is used to make flat cords. The disk is made of sturdy foam plastic with notches, into which you can secure up to 32 strands!
Check out the Kumihimo discs!
Fun for kids!
Kumihimo is also great for kids ages 7 and up! It’s so much fun to braid a bracelet together using the handy Kumihimo disc. Kids can choose their favorite colors and braid their own bracelet or anklet!
Endless possibilities
: Make your braids using cotton or ribbon cord. It’s best to braid with yarn that’s 4 to 6 mm thick. We’ve chosen sturdy cotton yarns in a variety of colors (see the photos above). Check out all the suitable cotton yarns here!
We also made the bracelet shown below using the slightly lustrous Lana Grossa Seta yarn. This soft yarn is made of 40% Cotton and 60% Silk. Use different weights and colors for a playful effect!
The possibilities with the Japanese braiding art of Kumihimo are endless! For example, you can incorporate various patterns into the cords. On Pinterest, you’ll find a variety of patterns that show you how to arrange different colors on the braiding wheel. When you start braiding, the pattern—such as a little flower—will emerge on its own! You can add beads to the cord’s fastener, or thread beads onto the cord as you braid! This creates a beaded cord. If you want to braid a thicker cord, you can also use a double-strand technique—simply insert two strands into each notch (instead of one). Make a belt, necklace, anklet, bracelet, bag handles, or a keychain with these cheerful cords. What are you going to make with them?
How does Kumihimo work?
Monique braids the round bracelet (with the round disc) using 4 strands. The flat bracelet is braided using 5 strands and the square disc. In the video, Monique explains how to calculate how many strands of yarn you’ll need. We’ll explain it again below:
If you're making a 20-centimeter bracelet, you'll need 3 pieces of each color of thread that are 20 cm long (60 cm total), and since Monique is going to use the threads doubled, you double the number of centimeters. So each thread needs to be 120 cm long.
Video Tutorial: Kumihimo Braiding with Round and Square Discs
In the video below, Monique explains how Kumihimo works. She demonstrates how to braid using both the round and square discs.
Tips for Kumihimo Braiding
- You can fasten your bracelet with a sliding knot. Below, we'll explain how to tie that sliding knot:
Form the bracelet into a circle so that both ends are next to each other.
Take a new piece of string and attach it to the bracelet using two weita buttons (where the clasp will go). Then turn the bracelet over and tie both ends of the string (the ones you used to make the weita buttons) securely to the bracelet. - Turn the disc in the same direction every time. For example, Monique turns the disc counterclockwise every time.
- Pull the bottom taut, or, if necessary, hang a weight from the bottom of the yarn so you don't have to pull it taut every time.
- If you're using very long strands for braiding, it's helpful to wrap them around a clothespin. This keeps the strands from getting tangled!
Good luck with Kumihimo!
We'd love to see your braided cords! Share a photo here on our Facebook page or on Instagram using #Yarnplaza.