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.
These instructions will give you a 20" inch necklace. To modify the length, adjust the length of the braided portion accordingly. Note: You will also need some tape and a toothpick or scrap of wire for this project.
- If you are unfamiliar with Kumihimo, please watch our video: How to Make a Simple 8-Warp Kumihimo Braid Bracelet and How to Braid Beaded Kumihimo and Make a Bracelet.
- This design uses Kumihimo Clusters to achieve the look. To see how that that is done, please watch our video: How to Create Kumihimo Bead Clusters.
- From what you learned in the above videos, cut 2 lengths 12 feet each of plum cord and cut 2 lengths 12 feet each of avocado cord. Fold them in half and tie an overhand knot at the center of the cords so you have 8 strands. Holding the board facing up, thread this knot through the center hole.
- Place the avocado cords to the left and right of the 32 dot as well as to the left and right of the 16 dot. You will then want to place the plum cords to the left and right of the 24 dot and to the left and right of the 8 dot. Attach your weight to the knot after you have positioned your cords.
- Now string 12 orchid seed beads on to the plum strand that is between the 7 and 8 notch. Repeat for the strands between the 8 and 9 notch, the 23 and 24 notch and the 24 and 25 notch.
- Now string 12 labrador seed beads on to the avocado strand that is between 31 and 32 notch. Repeat for the strands between the 32 and 1 notch; the 15 and 16 notch and the 16 and 17 notch.
- Begin the braiding as shown on in the video. Braid 3 inches of cord before you begin adding the beads.
- For each cluster you will add 2 beads, one at a time, from each cord. The easiest way to keep track of this is by counting the beads you have left. So if you start with 12 on each strand, after the cluster you should count 10 on each strand, and so on. In between each cluster, braid 2 inches of cord. Continue in this manner until you have added all 6 clusters and have finished with 3 inches of braiding.
- Carefully take the braid off of the disc, trim the bobbins off and tie an overhand knot.
- Finish off the necklace with tape and glue as seen in the above video: How to Braid Beaded Kumihimo. For this necklace, you will want to cut the braid so that you have two inches on each end for symmetry. Once you have the end caps on the braid, open one jump ring and attach it to one end cap. Close the jump ring. Repeat on the other side attaching one lobster clasp to the end cap with the jump ring.
- Allow the clasp to dry overnight for maximum bond.
- Gently pry open the bail and attach it in between cluster 3 and 4 and close it around the Austrian Crystal Spike pendant.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: (scroll down for purchase options)
- JSU-0033 - BeadSmith Unions, 6/0 Round Seed Beads, 20 Gram Tube, White Opaque Funky Orchid
Project uses 48 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- JSU-0021 - BeadSmith Unions, 6/0 Round Seed Beads, 20 Gram Tube, Crystal Labrador Full
Project uses 48 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- XCR-4235 - Super-Lon (S-Lon) Cord - Size 18 Twisted Nylon - Avocado / 77 Yard Spool
Project uses 24 Feet. You will need 1 package.
- XCR-4620 - Super-Lon (S-Lon) Cord - Size #18 Twisted Nylon - Plum (77 Yard Spool)
Project uses 24 Feet. You will need 1 package.
- FCR-1601 - Beadsmith Silver Plated Barrel Cord Ends With Ring 10mm Long - Fits Up To 3mm Cord (4)
Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- FCO-123 - Silver Toned Brass Pinch Bail, 13.5mm Glass Rhinestone Encrusted, 1 Piece
Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.
- SWCR-6010 - Austrian Crystal, #6480 Spike Pendant 28mm, 1 Piece, Crystal AB
Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.
- FJR-5150 - Silver Plated Open Jump Rings 5mm 20 Gauge (x100)
Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- FCL-4715 - Silver Plated Curved Lobster Clasps 12mm (6)
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.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:- XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
- XTL-5514 - Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers
- 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)
For closed captions/subtitles, click the CC icon on the video player after starting the video.
Earn Reward Points with your purchase of project components or tools.
