Discover the timeless art of Kumihimo-Japanese cord braiding-through clear guidance and creative, beginner-friendly projects.
Getting Started with Kumihimo Braiding is a step-by-step introduction designed for absolute beginners who want to create beautiful, professional-looking braided cords for jewelry, accessories, and home décor. Using modern foam disks and easy-to-follow techniques, this book transforms an ancient Japanese textile tradition into an accessible, relaxing craft anyone can learn.
You'll begin with the fundamentals-tools, materials, disk setup, and tension control-before progressing through classic 8-cord and 16-cord braids, flat braids, color planning, and pattern design. Each concept is reinforced with practical projects including bracelets, friendship cords, anklets, keychains, lanyards, bag straps, and beaded Kumihimo designs.
Inside this book, you'll learn how to:
Set up and use round and flat Kumihimo disks with confidence
Create smooth, even round and flat braids using 8-cord and 16-cord techniques
Plan color layouts for spirals, stripes, gradients, and multi-color effects
Incorporate beads cleanly into Kumihimo braids
Finish projects professionally using knots, end caps, clasps, and adjustable closures
Troubleshoot common issues like uneven tension, twisting, and tangled cords
Combine Kumihimo with jewelry making and other crafts
The book concludes with a capstone project that guides you through creating a fully coordinated Kumihimo set-bracelet, necklace, and keychain-bringing together everything you've learned.
Whether you're new to fiber crafts, looking for a calming creative hobby, or expanding your jewelry-making skills, this book provides a clear, practical path from your first braid to polished, gift-ready creations.
