My first Kumihimo braids
Just over a year ago I first heard someone mention a braiding technique called Kumihimo. A few YouTube searches later and I had made a cardboard disk to try out whilst I waited for one I had purchased to come from the US. Now, I know you can buy them in the UK, but the unique shape of the kumiloom made it possible to create both round and flat braids on the same disk.
After watching on YouTube I wanted to have a go…..immediately!
My first braid completed
I started out with a 8 warp (strand) round braid which was pretty straight forward – pictured above, then a 16 warp.
This week I tried to make my first flat braid, so far it is slightly more tricky to get even tension across the braid but I’m sure it’s just a case of practising.
***UPDATE 15th July***
I still haven’t quite finished but here is the flat braid so far
10 warp flat kumihimo braid, not quite finished
***UPDATE 15th July***
I use bobbins to take the excess cord and use embroidery thread rather than rat tail as the end result is less bulky. To help keep even tension when creating a round braid, I tug on the centre knot after each rotation. For the flat braid I made an impromptu weight from a bulldog clip and a spare set of keys, which is easy to move as the braid grows.
If you fancy trying Kumihimo, these are the YouTube videos I’ve used the most.
Crafts Created By Kate 