Into the Darkness Kumihimo Bracelet

Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.

1. Begin by watching our video: How to Braid Beaded Kumihimo and Make a Bracelet.
2. Then cut four stands of cord, 8 feet each. Fold in half and tie an overhand knot.
3. Place the cords in the disc as shown in the video and add your weight.
4. You will then add 55 beads to each of the 8 strands and wind them around the bobbins.
5. Begin the braid by braiding 1 inch of cord before adding the braids. Again, as you work measure the braid. Due to tension and tightness, a good idea is to measure as you feel you are getting close to your desired length. You may find you have to adjust the number of beads. Then continue braiding and finish with 1 inch of braiding without beads, same as you did at the beginning.
6. Carefully take the braid off of the disc, trim the bobbins off and tie an overhand knot.
7. To see how to finish with the magnetic clasp please watch our video: How to Finish a Kumihimo Braid to Fit into a Larger Clasp or Cord End. Take a length of super-lon cord and tie an overhand knot over the braided portion of the end of the Kumihimo without the beads. Tie a second overhand knot to secure. Then take the tails and wrap around the braided portion to bulk up the tail end. When it is the right bulk to fit in the well of the clasp, tie another knot to secure and trim the ends with your scissors.
8. Trim the end of the braided portion so it fits inside the well of the cord end. Using a toothpick or scrap of wire, add a dab of E6000 to the well. Place the end of the braid into the cord end. Set aside. Move to the other end of the bracelet and repeat the above steps.
9. Allow to dry unclasped for at least 24 hours before wearing for maximum bond.

• XCR-4624 - Super-Lon (S-Lon) Cord - Size #18 Twisted Nylon - Navy Blue (77 Yard Spool)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• JSH-0113 - Toho Round Seed Beads 8/0 613 'Matte Iris Gray' 8 Gram Tube
  Project uses 2 Tubes. You will need 2 packages.


• FCR-4245 - Magnetic Clasp, Tube Cord Ends Fits 6.2mm Cord, 1 Set, Gun Metal Plated
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• XTL-1054 - E6000 Industrial Strength Glue Adhesive (0.18 fl oz)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-5700 - Fiskars 5 Precision Tip Scissors - Super Sharp
• XTL-6095 - Beadsmith Lightweight Kumihimo Round Disc Disk For Japanese Braiding and Cording 35mm Hole
• XTL-6103 - Beadsmith No Tangle Flexible Plastic Thread Bobbins For Kumihimo Or Macrame 1 7/8 Inch (8 Pack)
• XTL-6063 - Gator Weight For Kumihimo Braiding - 1.6 Ounces (1)