It’s been a while since I talked about my favourite subject in the whole wide world, so this week I thought I’d treat you to a Kumihimo catch up!
As most of you know I heard about Kumihimo, the Japanese art of braiding, around 10 years ago and have been braiding like crazy ever since. I love it so much that I’ve produced two books on the subject and am frequently found extolling the virtues of the ancient skill. I’ll talk about it anywhere…at the shop….in the supermarket….on a beach in Mexico….lol.
Kumi himo literally translates as ‘gathered threads’. The basic premise of the skill is the weaving, or braiding, of cords. I use satin cord 1 and 2mm, along with 0.6 macrame cord and S lon to bead onto but you can really use whatever you feel comfortable with. It’s quite mathematical and repetitious, so those of you who like a plan and a clear process with just love it.
Samurai armour (Pinterest)
Kumihimo originally derives from Japan, where the braids were used to adorn traditional Japanese garments and warrior armour for the Samurais and their horses. It used to be painstakingly finger looped braiding, freestyle. Can you even imagine? These days it’s made much easier by the light weight foam disks we use to work our braids. (Phew)
One of the projects from my book
I’m passionate about the endless design possibilities you can create with Kumihimo and just love to introduce the technique to new Beaders young and old. This is why I teach many Kumihimo classes at the Riverside Makery. We offer braided and beaded options, plus flat Kumihimo too. If you’d like to find out more about our Kumihimo classes then click here.
If you rather work from home then why not get yourself my latest book, A Beginners Guide To Kumihimo. It has so many projects packed in it and for only £8.99 it won’t break the bank.
My latest book
We also offer a selection of kits so you don’t have to get overwhelmed with which cords to buy. Many of them can be worked alongside the book. Click here to get your Kumihimo book and essential accoutrements.
Ok that’s me for another week. I feel lighter and brighter just talking about Kumihimo! I hope you will soon love it too. Don’t forget to send me photos of your creations, I’d love to see them all. ❤️
Happy braiding!
xxDonna
To see Donna on Create and Craft TV go to Freesat 813 Virgin 748 Freeview 23 Sky 683
