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 make a 17 inch necklace. To modify the size, adjust the lengths of chain on either side accordingly.
- Begin by watching our video on how to braid beaded kumihimo.
- Based on the technique shown in the video, cut four 3 foot lengths of Flex Wire in each of the following colors: black and silver. Tie them together with an overhand knot at one end, and attach a gator weight onto your knot.
- Wind your beading wire onto the bobbins as shown in the video.
- Send the gator weight through the center of your kumihimo disc, and arrange the strands in the following order: Two strand of black on either side of the 32 dot at the top, two strands of black on either side of the 16 dot at the bottom, two strands of silver on either side of the 24 dot at the left, and two strands of silver on either side of the 8 dot at the right.
- String 9 Czech glass 8/0 seed beads onto each of the four silver wires.
- Begin braiding without beads for 3 inches.
- Then add beads to your braid and weave for 2 inches, using all 9 beads per strand.
- To attach your slider bail, please use the technique shown in this video. Follow along with the video to tie the end of your braid together with a piece of string, remove your cords from the kumihimo disc, and pass the ends of all eight cords through the bail. Slide the bail down snug against the beaded portion of your braid, then untie the piece of string.
- Add 9 more seed beads onto the four silver wires, then wind all 8 cords back in the bobbins.
- Repeat step 4, arranging your strands in the kumihimo disc with the beaded strands in the same positions as before. Be sure that the beaded strands are arranged in the same placement on the disc so the bead pattern won't be disrupted.
- Repeat step 7, braiding with beads for 2 inches and using all 9 beads.
- Repeat step 6, braiding without beads for 3 inches. Then remove your wires from the disc, and tie a piece of thread around the end of your braid to keep it from unraveling.
- String all 8 wires through one silver large hole bead and slide it down against the beaded portion of your braid. Remove the weight from the other side of your braid, untie the overhand knot, and repeat this step on the opposite side of your braid.
- To finish off the ends of your braid: Please watch this video on how to make kumihimo jewelry with Soft Flex. Using the technique shown in the video, attach a 3x3mm crimp bead onto each end of your braid. Then secure crimp covers over both crimp beads.
- To attach your chain: Use cutters to cut two 3 inch lengths of rolo chain. Then use pliers to open a 5mm jump ring, and attach one looped side of your braid to the end of one chain. Close the jump ring. Attach the other chain onto the opposite side of your necklace in the same manner.
- To attach your pendant: Open a jump ring, slide on the loop of your pendant, and link it to the loop of your bail. Close the jump ring.
- To attach your clasp: Open a jump ring, slide on the loop of your clasp, and attach the loop of your clasp onto one end link of your necklace. Then attach another jump ring on the opposite end of your necklace. All done!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: (scroll down for purchase options)
- XCR-5194 - Soft Flex, 49 Strand Medium Beading Wire .019 Inch Thick, 30 Feet, Black
Project uses 12 feet. You will need 1 package.
- XCR-5293 - Soft Flex, Extreme Flex 19 Strand Medium Beading Wire .019 Inch, 30 Feet, Silver Plated
Project uses 12 feet. You will need 1 package.
- BCS-9082 - Czech Glass, Bohemian Aged 8/0 Round Seed Beads, 10 Grams, Etched Blue Turquoise and Labrador
Project uses 72 beads. You will need 1 package.
- BMB-3130 - TierraCast Silver Plated Lead-Free Pewter Love Knot Triple Twist Spacer Beads 8mm (2)
Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- FCO-4058 - Silver Plated Large Slider Bail Front Ring (10)
Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.
- FCR-01133 - Sterling Silver Crimp Beads Large 3X3mm (10)
Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- CHA-9953 - Silver Plated Rolo Chain, 3.7mm, by the Foot
Project uses 6 inches. You will need 1 package.
- PND-195 - TierraCast Pendant, Mehndi 17x24.5mm, 1 Piece, Antiqued Silver Plated
Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.
- FCL-4715 - Silver Plated Curved Lobster Clasps 12mm (6)
Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.
- FJR-5150 - Silver Plated Open Jump Rings 5mm 20 Gauge (x100)
Project uses 5 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- FCR-01040 - Sterling Silver Crimp Bead Covers 4mm (10)
Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:- 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-5265 - Mighty Crimping Pliers Large Crimpers For 3mm Crimps
- XTL-100 - Micro Grip Pliers, Side Cutters, 4.5 Inches Long, 1 Piece
- XTL-101 - Micro Grip Pliers, Long Chain Nose, 5 Inches Long, 1 Piece
- XTL-103 - Micro Grip Pliers, Bent Chain Nose, 5 Inches Long, 1 Piece
- XTL-9920 - Beadaholique Bead Mat, 12.5x9.25 Inches, 1 Piece
For closed captions/subtitles, click the CC icon on the video player after starting the video.
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