Kumihimo - Japanese Braiding
Kumihimo is the Japanese art of braiding. Pretty much every culture around the world has their own tradition of braiding - whether it be tablet weaving, ply split braiding, finger loop weaving, lucet braiding, or one of many other variations. Braiding has been used for millennium to transform simple threads or cords into larger and stronger ones - by multiplying a single thread into a chunkier woven, knotted or braided cord, it gives a lot more strength and potential uses, as well as, of course, adding more options for decoration.
Kumihimo refers to a range of different braiding methods used across Japan for centuries, that encompasses working with a variety of different braiding stands, and modern use has expanded to develop the use of foam disks or plates as a portable and more accessible way of creating braids - primarily based on the Marudai - a small round braiding stool / stand.
This group of braiding techniques is one that particularly appeals to me, as a process, as well as in using the completed braids within my jewellery and artwork, so this is my main focus within braiding, and therefore the area that I have studied and practiced for many years, studying from expert braiders both in the UK and Japan, to be able to teach and share my knowledge with others.
My focus is mostly on using the Marudai, but I do also work (and teach) using the foam braiding disks, which is what the information and projects below refer to - as these give the most accessible version of Kumihimo.
Kumihimo refers to a range of different braiding methods used across Japan for centuries, that encompasses working with a variety of different braiding stands, and modern use has expanded to develop the use of foam disks or plates as a portable and more accessible way of creating braids - primarily based on the Marudai - a small round braiding stool / stand.
This group of braiding techniques is one that particularly appeals to me, as a process, as well as in using the completed braids within my jewellery and artwork, so this is my main focus within braiding, and therefore the area that I have studied and practiced for many years, studying from expert braiders both in the UK and Japan, to be able to teach and share my knowledge with others.
My focus is mostly on using the Marudai, but I do also work (and teach) using the foam braiding disks, which is what the information and projects below refer to - as these give the most accessible version of Kumihimo.
Click on any image to view that video, or pdf download
Download - What is Kumihimo
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Download - Kumihimo Supplies
Download - Securing braid ends
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Download - How to make a round braid
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Download - Braiding - What is it for?
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