Butterfly 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. Please begin by watching our video: How to Braid Beaded Kumihimo and Make a Bracelet. Cut 8 strands of cord 5 feet each in length.
2. Gather all 8 cords and tie an overhand knot. Holding the board facing up, thread this knot through the center hole.
3. Place the 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 a cord 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.
4. String on 10 white seed beads on to each strand.
5. Begin the braiding as shown on in the video. Braid about one inch of cord before you begin adding the beads.
6. Continue braiding until you have added all of your beads.
7. On to the cords between the 31/32, 7/8, 15/16, 23/24 - string on 10 white magatamas. For the cords between 32/1, 8/9, 16/17, 24/25 - string on 10 pink magatamas. You will want to make sure that you are stringing them on in a way that leaves them pointing away or down, from the center you are working towards. If your cords are not in the positions I mentioned, not to worry. Just make sure that while working clockwise the colors of the beads alternate.
8. Next, please watch our video: How to Add a Large Hole Bead to Patterned Kumihimo. Once you have built up your center, slip on the butterfly bead. Next add the magatamas in the same manner as above but this time make sure they are pointed up so that you get the nice fanned out effect.
9. Once you have all your magatamas, then finish off the beaded portion with 10 white seed beads on each strand and then one inch of braiding without beads.
10. Carefully take the braid off of the disc, trim the bobbins off and tie an overhand knot.
11. To see an example of this finishing technique you can watch the end of our video: How to Make the Deluxe Beaded Kumihimo Bracelet Kit with Spiral Bicone Focal. To attach the clasp, 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.
12. Trim the end of the braided portion so it fits inside the well of the clasp. Using a toothpick or scrap of wire, add a dab of E6000 to the well of the clasp. Place the end of the braid into the clasp. Set aside. Move to the other end of the bracelet and repeat the above steps to complete the clasp on this side of the bracelet. Make sure to leave the clasp un-clasped as it dries completely.

• JSH-0225 - Toho Round Seed Beads 8/0 41F Opaque Frosted White 8 Gram Tube
  Project uses 1 Tube. You will need 1 package.


• KMG-028 - Miyuki Long Magatama Seed Beads 4x7mm - Matte Transparent Crystal AB (8.5g)
  Project uses 2 Tubes. You will need 2 packages.


• KMG-031 - Miyuki Long Magatama Seed Beads 4x7mm Matte Transparent Smokey Amethyst AB /8.5g
  Project uses 2 Tubes. You will need 2 packages.


• BMB-8146 - Silver Tone Two Sided Pink And Purple Butterfly - European Style Large Hole Bead (1)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• FCR-4246 - Magnetic Clasp, Tube Cord Ends Fits 6.2mm Cord, 1 Set, Silver Plated
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-4248 - BeadSmith Super-Lon (S-Lon) Cord - Size 18 Twisted Nylon - White / 77 Yard Spool
  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)