Kumihimo, Anyone?

Is anyone doing kumihimo? Just got into it a couple of weeks ago and love it. So far I've only done a few to go on key rings and to sew on the rims of gourds.

I've only tried the round so far but have ordered the little loom for the flat ones.

huh????

okay, i just googled it so i know what you are talking about. it looks really cool!!!! i may have to give it a go. is it difficult?

bw - think you're going to have to explain. Total "huh?" here too!

Is it like braiding or macrame?

It's an old Japanese braiding technique from around 800 AD. Do you remember the old plastic lacings that everyone braided in school and made keychains out of them? It's very similar to that but you can get really fancy with it depending on what you use to braid. I've seen necklaces made from them with glass spoons.

The one I'm working on now has some of the varigated eye lash yarn in orange, yellow, and pink. It will probably turn into a key chain. I'm also using other types of threads and yarns in those same colors. Can't wait to see how it turns out. That's one thing that makes it so much fun - how will the colors and threads/yarns work together.

It's relaxing to me and works up pretty fast. My attention span can be very short at times so I can finish these rather quickly.

Go to Primitive Originals website and see it. (Hope this link works!)

Hey BW - where do you get the stuff to do it? i looked at all the craft stores in my area (well, the online versions...) and they didn't have it. do you have to get it online?

I got my first disk at a class I took on kumihimo (pronounced koo me HE mo). The others I've ordered from a sourceon internet. You've got to have the little plastic bobbins also or your threads will get all tangled.

Hobby Lobby does have a little kit that comes with plastic lacing and a smaller disk that you might want to try first. It's similar to kumihimo, but not quite the same. It does not have the bobbins but I don't think that you'd need them with the plastic lacings. It costs less than $5.00 here.

i'll do some research. thanks BW!!

Those look a lot like the friendship bracelets we used to do in Junior High! We didn't have a cool disc though - we had a knot, a saftey pin and a pant leg!

The one that I'm working on now has 16 threads to braid/weave with. When learning you use 8 threads normally, but it's just as easy to me to use 16.

I weave twined (weaving method with two weaving threads) bags made of jute as a primitive skill demonstration at American Indian and frontier festivals. I'm planning on braiding some straps with the jute for the bags. I've been using another braiding technique but want to try the kumihimo instead.

How difficult is it to make basic necklaces and bracelets with this technique? My daughter is 12 and loves craft stuff and this looks like it would be something she might really enjoy if it is not too complicated.

I'd start her with the kit from Hobby Lobby since it comes plastic lacing. After a few key chains, she may be ready to start with the yarns and threads and make bracelets and necklaces. She'll learn the basic technique from the kit and can then use that disk to branch out to the other fibers.

I've not checked to see if there are free instructions on the internet but it's worth a try. I think she could handle it with no problem and have fun also.

Here's a cyber Monday special on Kumihimo . . .

Primitive Originals Web Site

This is a great discount for anyone thinking about getting started with this. Don't forget that children are very good with this. My 7-year old granddaughter started braiding earlier this year. I'd suggest either of the kits and not the individual discs if you're just getting started.

These people are friends of mine and are large sellers on ebay as well.

This looks really cool. It might actually be something I could do....and that's saying something!!

It's quick and easy. I like to make key chains as does my granddaughter.