Kai 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 Make a Simple 8-Warp Kumihimo Braid Bracelet.
2. Based on the technique shown in the video, cut four 2 foot lengths of each of the 1.5mm grey and black leather cords. Tie them together with an overhand knot at one end.
3. String eight 6/0 nickel seed beads onto each length of cord.
4. Wind your cords onto the bobbins as shown in the video.
5. Arrange the cords in your kumihimo disc in the following order: Two strands of black on either side of the 32 dot at the top, two strands black on either side of the 16 dot at the bottom, two strands of grey on either side of the the 24 dot on the left, and two strands of grey on either side of the 8 dot on the right. Attach your weight to the knot after you have positioned your cords.
6. Create a braid without beads that measures approximately 1 inch. Note: pull gently on your leather braid and it will stretch an additional 1/2 inch in length, so take this into account when measuring your bracelet.
7. Once your stretched braid measures approximately 1 inch total, add beads to your braid and weave for 1.5 inches, using all 8 beads per strand. You may want to watch this video on how to create kumihimo beaded clusters.
8. Continue braiding without beads, matching the length to your braided section from step 6 once stretched.
9. Next, watch our video on how to tie off and finish kumihimo braid ends. Based on the "bulking up" technique shown in the video, cut a piece of thread or S-lon cord and wrap it tightly around one end of your braid (approximately 3 inches from the center of the beaded portion) and tie a square knot. Repeat this process to tie off the other side of your braid. Once both ends are secure, use scissors to trim the excess thread and leather.
10. Using a toothpick or scrap of wire, apply a dab of E6000 glue into the well of one cord end. Then tuck one side of the braid into the cord end. Repeat this step on the other side of your braid. Allow the glue to dry for at least one hour.
11. To attach your clasp and chain extender: Separate 2.5 inches of 9mm cable chain by using pliers to open one chain link (the same way you would open a jump ring). Use this open link to attach the 2.5 inch chain to a cord end on one side of your bracelet. Close the link. Open another link and use it to attach your S-hook clasp onto the other side of your bracelet. Close the link.
12. Enjoy!

• CHY-1515 - Genuine Leather Cord, Round 1.5mm, By the Yard, Natural Black
  Project uses 8 feet. You will need 3 packages.


• CHY-1511 - Genuine Leather Cord, Round 1.5mm, By the Yard, Shimmer
  Project uses 8 feet. You will need 3 packages.


• BMS-0613 - Genuine Metal Seed Beads 6/0 Nickel Plated 31 Grams
  Project uses 64 beads. You will need 1 package.


• FCR-1610 - BeadSmith Cord Ends, Barrel with Ring 12.5mm, Fits 8mm Cord, 4 Pieces, Silver Plated
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FCL-6612 - S-Hook Clasps Silver Plated 9mm x 19mm (20 Pieces)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• CHA-9800 - Nunn Design Silver Plated Textured Cable Chain, 9mm, by the Foot
  Project uses 2.75 inches. You will need 1 package.


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

• XTL-6095 - Beadsmith Lightweight Kumihimo Round Disc Disk For Japanese Braiding and Cording 35mm Hole
• XTL-6108 - No Tangle Flexible Plastic Thread Bobbins For Kumihimo Or Macrame 2 1/2 Inch (8 Pack)
• XTL-6063 - Gator Weight For Kumihimo Braiding - 1.6 Ounces (1)
• XTL-5700 - Fiskars 5 Precision Tip Scissors - Super Sharp
• XTL-0020 - Baby Wubbers Quality Fine Chain Nose Jeweller's Pliers
• XTL-0023 - Baby Wubbers Quality Fine Bent Chain Nose Jeweller's Pliers
• XTL-9920 - Beadaholique Bead Mat, 12.5x9.25 Inches, 1 Piece