What is the cultural significance of kumihimo?
The most prominent historical use of kumihimo was by samurai, as a functional and decorative way to lace their lamellar armour and their horses’ armor (barding). Kumihimo cords are now used as ties on haori jackets and as obijime, used to hold some obi knots in place or to decorate the obi when wearing kimono.
What is the best cord to use for kumihimo?
Cord for Kumihimo For showcasing a focal bead or a special pair of end caps, you can use something like satin rat tail cord, with thicknesses varying between 0.5mm and 3mm. The bright colors of these silky cords will create a spectacular finished kumihimo braid.
What can you do with kumihimo braids?
Japanese Kumihimo are used in a wide range of areas, such as for tying up pouches, or for decorating swords and armor. Many threads and strings are braided together in an intricate pattern to create a single cord.
How do you put the end cap on kumihimo?
Once you have your finished Kumihimo weave and are happy with the length:
- Take some thread and bind it tightly around the braid.
- Next use your scissors to make a clean cut and pop it into an end cap.
- You might need to trim it down to make sure it fits.
Can you use yarn for kumihimo?
You can also braid craft cord, embroidery floss, jewelry wire, leather cord (as suggested by a reader – thanks!), baker’s twine, yarn, fancy yarns (like the furry stuff), plastic cord… the list could go on and on I’m sure.
How do you pronounce kumihimo?
- Phonetic spelling of Kumihimo. kumi-himo.
- Meanings for Kumihimo. Gathered threads.
- Examples of in a sentence.
How long should a kumihimo bracelet string be?
A visit to the bead store told me that the norm is 1mm or 1.5 mm cord for Kumihimo. Cut about 4 pieces of cord around 39 inches long. Depending on the thickness of your cords you’re starting with, you may need more or less but this will be our practice experimental braid.