Have you ever seen of Kumihimo? Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese handcraft in which several strands of threads are interlaced and braid into a cord. It has a very long history and has been used as a piece of armor, a cord to hold handscroll offered to the gods, and as an Obi-jime (obi sash belt) for kimonos. These beautiful, seemingly intricately braided cords are durable and can be made in a variety of colors and patterns, depending on the color, number of threads, and the way they are combined. The literature shows that the people of those days were very fashionable, because they used such beautiful strings as ornaments to adorn their surroundings.
I would like to introduce a very simple Kumihimo braided using 7 threads and a cardboard disk. This was taught in the handwork class at my daughter’s school. Here in the U.S., it is recognized and all the children love this Kumihimo braid. The finished strings look intricately braided, but in reality they are very simple and can be enjoyed by everyone, adults and children alike.
This perfect handcraft can be done anytime, anywhere, and is perfect for when you are traveling, camping, or just waiting around.
In this article, we will show you how to make a Friendship Bracelet using embroidery thread.

Instructions for making

Step 1. Makting a Kumihimo Disk

Cut a round piece of cardboard and make a 3mm hole in the center. After drilling a small hole, it is easy to insert a pencil and expand the hole.
Make 8 equal incisions around the circle.
*I have prepared a template for the disk. If you need it, download and use it.

Step 2. Prepare the Thread

Choose 7 favorite threads. You can use a single color or all different colors in any combination you like. Cut the yarn to a length 2 to 2.5 times the desired finished size. For a bracelet, 60cm is sufficient.
Insert 7 threads into the hole in the center of the disk and tie a knot, leaving 5 cm at the end.

Step 3. Place the Threads in the Slit

Insert one thread into each of the eight slits; one slit will be left over. Start with that slit facing your belly.

Step 4. Braid the Thread

With the empty slit at your belly position, move the thread from the third position on the right side to the empty slit. Then turn the disk clockwise so that the slit with the missing thread is facing your belly position again. Then move the third thread again to the vacant slit, and repeat the process.
There are only two points. The slit that is always open is at the position of one’s belly. From there, move the three previous threads into the open slit.

Step 5. Braided and Comb

After repeating several times, a braided thread will come out of the hole in the center. The thread that comes out should be pulled gently to let it hang down through the hole.
Also, the ends of the thread tend to get tangled, so remember to comb them so that they hang neatly after a few knits.

Step 6. Completed

Once you’ve reached the desired length of braided cord, remove the thread from the disk and tie the ends together. The braid is completed when the fringes at both ends are the same length.

Octagonal Kumihimo Disk

If cutting out a circle is difficult, an octagonal disk is easy. Simply cut off the four corners of a board cut into squares. Once you have made a cut in the center of each side, you will have eight slits.
There is no need to be nervous about the shape of the disc or the position of the cutouts; you can cut them out roughly and it will still work.
*We have templates for both circular and octagonal discs. If you need them, download and use them.

Various Thicknesses and Braided Methods

Kumihimo can be used for a variety of purposes. In this step, we used embroidery thread to make a thin and delicate bracelet. If you use a thicker wool or cotton yarn, the finished product will look different. I used wool yarn to braid a slightly thicker cord. Strong and solid, Kumihimo makes a great hand-knitted pouch cord.
In my next post, I will also show you how to knit the yellow and gray twists in the center of the photo.

Ideal Craft for Camping and Traveling

A Kumihimo basket was a surprise for the school’s camping trip.
Inside the basket are about 50 Kumihimo discs, cotton yarn in a variety of colors. Scissors and crochet hooks were tied to the basket with braided cord to prevent them from getting lost.
About 40 children and adults participated in the camp. I was happy to hear that everyone enjoyed the Kumihimo so much. I would recommend this as a great way to do some handwork around the campfire or during a few hours of driving.
*Circle cutter is useful for cutting many circles.

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