Retired - Music is the Key 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. For this project we are going to be braiding a flat 10-warp Kumihimo braid. Start by choosing which colors from your cord mix you want to use. Each color comes in a 3 yard length. You will need a total of 10 cords which are 24" long each. Select and cut your cords. I used black, silver and gray.
2. For the design of this bracelet, we are going to just go for a random pattern. Please watch the video on How to 10-Warp Flat Braid Kumihimo. From the video, line up your cords on the square kumihimo disc as shown and wind your bobbins.
3. If you are completely new to Kumihimo, you might find it helpful to watch the beginning of the video on making an 8-warp round braid. It explains winding of the bobbins, lining up your thread, weighting down your braid, etc.
4. Now braid 7". Without removing your braid from the disc, carefully try to wrap the braid around your wrist. The clasp will add about 1/2" more and you will need to allow for room to finish and tie off your braid too (video in the next step). See if you need to braid more length for a comfortable fit. When you are happy with the length, go to the next step.
5. Now, please watch the video on How to Tie Off and Finish your Kumihimo Braid Ends. Do so on both sides of your braid and attach your cord end crimps as shown in the video.
6. Open a jump ring and link it to the loop at the end of your cord end crimp and also the loop at the base of your lobster clasp. Close the jump ring. Go to the other side of your bracelet and repeat this step except attach a jump ring instead of your lobster clasp.
7. Next, using your chain nose pliers, open up the jump rings that come with your music note charms.
8. Lay your bracelet flat on your work space and loop the open jump ring onto the rattail cord at the bottom of your braid. Slide on your charms about an inch away from each other and close the jump rings back up with your pliers. You can add on as many as you'd like.(Mine has 5 charms). Refer to photo.
9. Lastly, open the jump ring on your key charm, and attach it onto the jump ring that is also attached to your clasp. Close the jump ring with your pliers.
10. All done!

• XCR-3044 - Beadsmith Satin Rattail Braiding Cord 2mm Cool Neutrals Black & Grey Mix 4 Colors - 3 Yds Each
  Project uses 1 package. You will need 1 package.


• PND-1905 - Silver Plated Treble Clef Charms 14.5x5mm (6 Pieces)
  Project uses 5 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• PND-1912 - Silver Plated Classic Key Charms 22.5x8mm (4 Pieces)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• FCR-1401 - Silver Plated Ribbon Pinch Crimps Cord Ends - 16.5mm (4)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FJR-5160 - Silver Plated Open Jump Rings 6mm 19 Gauge (x100)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FCL-2534 - Silver Plated Diamond Embossed Lobster Clasps 14mm (10)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-8902 - NYMO Nylon Beading Thread Size D for Delica Beads Black 64YD (58 Meters)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-6103 - Beadsmith No Tangle Flexible Plastic Thread Bobbins For Kumihimo Or Macrame 1 7/8 Inch (8 Pack)
• XTL-6114 - Lightweight Kumihimo Square Plate For Japanese Flat Braiding
• XTL-5700 - Fiskars 5 Precision Tip Scissors - Super Sharp
• XTL-3004 - Beadsmith English Beading Needles Assortment So Handy
• XTL-6063 - Gator Weight For Kumihimo Braiding - 1.6 Ounces (1)
• XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose