Kumihimo 101: How to Kumihimo

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

Free Kumihimo Pattern 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

VIEW ALL KUMIHIMO INSTRUCTIONAL 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.

Candy Cane Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Candy Cane Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Kumihimo Friendship Bracelet
Kumihimo Friendship Bracelet
Rainbow 24 Warp Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Rainbow 24 Warp Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Into the Darkness Kumihimo Bracelet
Into the Darkness Kumihimo Bracelet
Cape Coral Bracelet
Cape Coral Bracelet
Glitzy Halloween Kumihimo Bracelet
Glitzy Halloween Kumihimo Bracelet
Montana Nights Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Montana Nights Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Kumihimo Braided Chain Necklace - Black & Gold
Kumihimo Braided Chain Necklace - Black & Gold
Sea Siren Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Sea Siren Kumihimo Bracelet (Reboot)
Pink Rocker Kumihimo Bracelet
Pink Rocker Kumihimo Bracelet
Mauve Meadow Kumihimo Bracelet
Mauve Meadow Kumihimo Bracelet
Cinnamon Stick Kumihimo Bracelet
Cinnamon Stick Kumihimo Bracelet
Red and White Kumihimo Candy Cane
Red and White Kumihimo Candy Cane
Wedded Bliss Kumihimo Necklace
Retired - Wedded Bliss Kumihimo Necklace
Heavy Metals Rock Kumihimo Bracelet
Heavy Metals Rock Kumihimo Bracelet
Cabo Cruise Kumihimo Bracelet
Cabo Cruise Kumihimo Bracelet
Retired Beaded Kumihimo Holiday Wreath Bracelet
Retired Beaded Kumihimo Holiday Wreath Bracelet
Ultra Violet Vortex Kumihimo Bracelet
Ultra Violet Vortex Kumihimo Bracelet
Just Beachy Beaded Kumihimo Necklace
Just Beachy Beaded Kumihimo Necklace
Kumihimo Braided Chain Necklace - Gold & Silver
Kumihimo Braided Chain Necklace - Gold & Silver

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.

*Though they may not have been specifically created with kumihimo in mind, many of our cord ends and clasps can also be used with your braids as long as you pay attention to sizes and scale.

SHOP DESIGNER CURATED PRODUCT COLLECTION: KUMIHIMO ESSENTIALS

 

Kumihimo Jewelry Kits

2023 Update: We are working hard to get kits back in stock. Please use the NOTIFY ME options on your favorites for an instant email alert.

Want to learn kumihimo fast? Pick up an Exclusive Beadaholique Jewelry Kit for everything you need to make a kumihimo project. Each kit has a free step-by-step video that you can follow along with online.

SHOP ALL EXCLUSIVE BEADAHOLIQUE KUMIHIMO JEWELRY KITS

Previous article Product Guide: Using Buttons in Beading and Jewelry Making