Kumihimo 101: How to Kumihimo
Learn about kumihimo with our free tutorials and instructional videos, then pick up some kumihimo supplies and try this fun and rewarding technique for yourself.
What is Kumihimo?
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese form of braiding using multiple strands of cord and/or ribbon. Kumihimo braids are very popular for bracelets but can also be used in necklaces. Different designs and patterns are possible by changing your braiding material, varying the thickness or number of your strands, using a round disk versus a square plate, and also by adding beads to your kumihimo braid.
How to Kumihimo
Though it may seem daunting at first, getting the right supplies and learning the basic technique will have you making kumihimo braids in no time! The modern way to make a kumihimo braid is to use a lightweight foam disk to hold and organize your strands while braiding. Numbers around the outside of most kumihimo disks make it easier to keep track of multiple strands. View our kumihimo project tutorials and kumihimo instructional videos for more details.
Kumihimo Instructional Videos
Learn essential kumihimo braiding techniques from our instructional videos. Our kumihimo videos show you step-by-step how to make a simple kumihimo bracelet, how to add beads to kumihimo, how to make a flat kumihimo braid and more.
Featured Video: How to Make a Simple 8-Warp Kumihimo Braid Bracelet
More Kumihimo Video Tutorials
VIEW ALL KUMIHIMO BRAIDING HOW-TO VIDEOS
Kumihimo Project Tutorials
Browse our step-by-step project tutorials and put your braiding skills to the test on of of the many kumihimo braiding projects created by our expert design team. Though some components may be out of stock or now discontinued, these patterns are a great starting point for your own variations.
VIEW ALL KUMIHIMO PROJECT TUTORIALS
Kumihimo Supplies
A kumihimo disk, braiding cord and bobbins will get you on your way to making these fun braids. There are also findings designed to make finishing off your braids easier, with many kumihimo findings kits available. Find some of our very favorite supplies for kumihimo jewelry in our designer curated collection, Kumihimo Essentials and the companion collection for Beadaholique Live Class: How to Make a Beaded Kumihimo Bracelet. Or get started quickly with everything you need when you pick up one of our all-in-one kumihimo jewelry project kits!
- Kumihimo Starter Set, Round Braid
- Kumihimo Starter Set, Flat Braid
- Kumihimo Disks, Weights & Bobbins
- Kumihimo Braiding Cords
-
Kumihimo Findings
- Product Collection - Beadaholique Live Class: How to Make a Beaded Kumihimo Bracelet
*Though they may not have been specifically created with kumihimo in mind, many of our and can also be used with your braids as long as you pay attention to sizes and scale.