Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braid-making. Cords and ribbons are made by interlacing strands.
Kumihimo cord was first created by a form of finger-loop braiding. Later tools such as the Marudai and the Takadai were employed to make more complex braids in shorter time. The most prominent historical use of the cords was by Samurai as both a functional and decorative way to lace their lamellar armor and their horses' armor (barding). Kumihimo cords are now used as ties on haori jackets and obijimes, which are used for tying on an obi (kimono sash).
A modern kumihimo disk made of firm but flexible foam plastic with notches can also be used as a portable marudai. The disks have 32 notches that create the tension that is usually created by tama on a marudai. The disks are convenient but are not as versatile as the marudai. On a marudai, any thickness or amount of string can be used, but on a disk only 32 or fewer strand braids can be made. Also, on a marudai you can make many types of braids, such as flat, four sided, and hollow. There are also rectangular foam cards, especially suitable for making flat braids.
Contents |
Kumihimo for beginners
There are a number of ways that beaders and braiders can begin Kumihimo braiding. The Kumihimo disk (usually imported from Japan) is an absolute must. It is lightweight, portable, and significantly easier to use than the traditional Marudai. Patterns are relatively easy to pick up, so ensure that you don't invest in a huge book of patterns. Start small with a book of various difficulty levels. Once you have your Kumihimo disk and your guide book you're just about set. Hand-dyed silk and high-end beads will produce the best results for your jewelry. You can purchase all of the above items in 1 single kit from a few good online retailers; just ensure you are getting the best quality materials.
The kumihimo rating system
Kumihimo braids vary in difficulty; however, most can be accomplished with the right tools and instructions at hand.
K1 - beginner K2 - intermediate K3 - expert
Related terms
- Kagami
- Kongō Gumi – a class of patterns for round cord all involving eight threads folded in half for a total of sixteen strands. In clockwise order, each bobbin is moved to the opposite side. When different combinations of thread color are used, many interesting patterns emerge, including diagonal stripes, diamonds on a background, triangles resembling hearts, and tiny six-petalled flowers.
- Marudai or maru dai – Japanese for "round stand."
- Obi – the broad cloth sash used in traditional dress.
- Obijime – the cord used to bind the obi secure.
- Omori
- Takadai – a rectangular or square frame for kumihimo.
- Tama – little spools. The thread is kept from unwinding by passing the thread under itself, forming a loop around the tama. True silk is a hollow fiber with a rough surface that resists slipping past the loop unless gently pulled. For synthetic fibers, a flexible plastic "clamshell" bobbin may be preferable.
Kumihimo authors
- Carey, Jacqui - Jacqui has published several large books on kumihimo and creative beading and braiding, the UK's best kumihimo person.
- Goodfield, Trish - Teaches over 1000 people per year in Australia. Published Beaut Braids for Australian Braiders.
- Kemp, Beth - Beth has published individual pieces and a smaller beginner's guide.
- DeSousa, Karen - Karen's book focuses on jewelry; she is an accomplished kumihimo author.
- Owen, Rodrick - Owen's book on kumihimo is more traditional and includes decorative clothing, rope, and knots.
- James, Kathy - Kathy has written a number of instructional pamphlets as well as a full-length book on braiding using the handheld kumihimo disk.
See also
External links
- Examples of Kumihimo braids made on the Marudai and the Takadai
- Information on braidershand.com
- Talzhemir's introductory handouts, in .PDF format, including Kongo Gumi and a pattern for a notched cardboard wheel
- Eight strand hollow braid over a core
- Information on HowToKumihimo.com
- Background information on history, tools, techniques at www.whatiskumihimo.com
| This article related to art or architecture in Japan is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
Categories: Braids
|
Sale
Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:53:00 GM
The traditional Japanese craft of . Kumihimo. is clearly explained in this hands-on resource that is suitable for beginners but also offers enough complexity for seasoned braiders. . Kumihimo. braids are made of silk threads and were ...
