Retired - Open Waters 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. Before beginning this project, please watch our video: How to Make a Needle on the End of Your Cord Using InstaNeedle. This is an optional step but if you find that you are having trouble stringing the beads on to the cord, this tool can help.
2. Please watch our video: How to Braid Beaded Kumihimo and Make a Bracelet. In this video you will learn how to do a 8 Strand Kumihimo Bracelet.
3. From what you learned in the video you will cut 8 strands 4 feet in length each.
4. Gather all 8 cord ends and tie a simple overhand knot tying them all together. Holding the board facing up, thread this knot through the center hole.
5. 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.
6. Now string 50 blue beads on to the strand that is between the 8 and 9 notch. Repeat for the strand that is between the 7 and 8 notch.
7. Now string 50 blue beads on to the strand that is between the 24 and 25 notch. Repeat for the strand that is between the 23 and 24 notch.
8. Now string 50 yellow beads on to the strand that is between the 31 and 32 notch. Repeat for the strand that is between the 32 and 1 notch.
9. Now string 50 yellow beads on to the strand that is between the 15 and 16 notch. Repeat for the strand that is between the 16 and 17 notch.
10. Begin the braiding as shown on in the video. Braid about one inch of cord before you begin adding the beads.
11. Continue braiding until you have added all of your beads, or reached your desired length. Then continue braiding and finish with 1 inch of braiding without beads, same as you did at the beginning.
12. Carefully take the braid off of the disc, trim the bobbins off and tie an overhand knot.
13. 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.
14. 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.

• BCS-8741 - Czech Seed Beads 8/0 Royal Blue Opaque (1 Ounce)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• BCS-9049 - Czech Glass, Bohemian Aged 8/0 Round Seed Beads, 10 Grams, Etched Yellow and Capri
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-4238 - BeadSmith Super-Lon (S-Lon) Cord - Size 18 Twisted Nylon - Capri Blue / 77 Yard Spool
  Project uses 1 Spool. You will need 1 package.


• FCR-4248 - Magnetic Clasp, Tube Cord Ends Fits 6.2mm Cord, 1 Set, Copper Plated
  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)
• XTL-0374 - BeadSmith InstaNeedle Kit, Create a Beading Needle from Thread, 1 Kit