Just Beachy Beaded Kumihimo Necklace (Reboot)

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. To start this project, please watch the video How to Braid Beaded Kumihimo and Make a Bracelet. You will not be making the bracelet but the technique is the same.
2. Cut 8 strands of Super-Lon Cord, 4 feet long each.
3. Take the 8 cord strands you just cut and tie a simple overhand knot on one end to secure them together. Place the knot through the middle hole of the Kumihimo disk and secure gator weight to the knot.
4. Place the 8 strands into the notches of the kumihimo disc. One strand on either side of each of the four dots on the disc.
5. Now you will add the beads on each strand and wind the bobbins.
6. For the four strands between 31-32, 32-1 and 15-16, 16-17 - these strands will contain 30 blue beads, followed by 18 gold beads and then 30 more blue beads.
7. For the four strands between 7-8, 8-9 and 23-24, 24-25 - these strands will contain 30 white beads, followed by 18 gold beads and then 30 more white beads.
8. Begin the braiding as shown in the video. You will braid about 1 inch of cord before adding the beads. When you have the strands back in their original orientation you will begin adding the beads to get the spiral pattern.
9. When you have added all the beads, finish the braid by completing 1 inch of braiding with the cord.
10. Trim off the bobbins, remove the cords from the disc and tie the ends together in an overhand knot.
11. Take one length of Super-Lon Cord (this can be a scrap of the cord you trimmed off. Should be about 18 inches) and tie it around one end of the bare braided portion on the necklace. You need to wind the cord around the end of this portion to fatten up the end so the end cap can fit over this end. So wind the cord around the bare braided portion, about 1/4 of an inch. Tie one more overhand knot and trim the excess braid and tails.
12. Using a toothpick or scrap of wire, add a dab of glue into the well of the end cap. Place the wrapped end of the kumihimo into the end cap. Set aside to dry. Move the other end of the braid and repeat this process on the other side.
13. Be sure to let the glue dry before moving on. It is recommend to let the glue dry overnight before wearing the necklace.
14. Once your braid has dried, open one jump ring and attach one end of the chain to the end cap. Close the jump ring. Move to the other end cap and repeat this process.
15. All done!

• BCZ-5410 - Preciosa Czech Crystal 4mm Bicone Beads 'Crystal Aurum' (50)
  Project uses 144 pieces. You will need 3 packages.


• JSH-0240 - Toho Round Seed Beads 8/0 48F Opaque Frosted Navy Blue 8 Gram Tube
  Project uses 240 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• JSH-0225 - Toho Round Seed Beads 8/0 41F Opaque Frosted White 8 Gram Tube
  Project uses 240 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-4248 - BeadSmith Super-Lon Cord - Size 18 Twisted Nylon - White / 77 Yard Spool
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• FCR-1608 - Beadsmith Gold Plated Barrel Cord Ends With Ring 12mm Long - Fits Up To 6.5mm Cord (4)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FJR-5250 - 22K Gold Plated Open Jump Rings 5mm 20 Gauge (100)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• CHA-4507 - 22K Gold Plated Medium Hammered Cable Chain 5.5mm Wide Bulk By The Foot
  Project uses 2 Feet. You will need 2 packages.


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

• XTL-6108 - No Tangle Flexible Plastic Thread Bobbins For Kumihimo Or Macrame 2 1/2 Inch (8 Pack)
• XTL-6095 - Beadsmith Lightweight Kumihimo Round Disc Disk For Japanese Braiding and Cording 35mm Hole
• XTL-6062 - Kumi Weight With Gator Clip For Kumihimo Braiding - 3.1 Ounces (1)
• XTL-5700 - Fiskars 5 Precision Tip Scissors - Super Sharp
• XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
• XTL-5514 - Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers