Kumihimo is a Japanese braiding technique that has become very popular worldwide especially with the addition of beads. Bonded nylon cord is recommended when working with beads for durability and abrasion resistance.
For braiding with beads, EZ Bobs are a necessity, small ones for small beads, medium ones for larger beads and so on... All the beads do not need to be loaded on the cord all at once, just load what fits in the EZ Bobs and add more beads when you run out.
Having several disks on hand is nice for working on several braids at the same time, plus it is best to reserve a disk for thinner diameter cords as the slots will relax a bit when working with larger diameter cord.
The best way to learn to braid is to start with a kumihimo kit with a full set of directions with step by step photos and a tool bag with a disk and EZ Bobs. Once you have a few projects completed you can start you own project easily. Check ready to go projects HERE.
Once you go on your own and experiment, C-Lon Bead Cord in any of the four sizes is recommended if you are using beads. Here is quick guide as to sizes: Micro for 15s and 11s, Fine Weight for 11s, 8s and PIPs, C-Lon Bead Cord (Tex 210) for 8s, 6s, MAs and LMAs, Tex 400 for 6s, MAs and LMAs.
For fiber only braids, thin cords can be combined in strands. The C-Lon Micro or the metallic cords work well for this. Silk, of course, such as Madeira Silk Floss, Kanagawa or Fujix Tire Embroidery Silks are great options, but silk requires a bit more care when worn. Ribbons are another great option.
If you are interested in braiding patterns, many are possible, and more can be invented. Try Rodrick Owen's book 'Braids' (published in 1995 by Interweave). More > Playing with Kumihimo Braids or Go to Kumihimo Kits
Personal Note - I first encountered the name 'kumihimo' in 1978 at a show when a textile specialist exclaimed in front of my exhibit that I was doing kumihimo. I had learned my braiding techniques from an old sailor's book on knots. I got a marudai but gave it up. I prefer braiding by hand or with the disks. The disks and plates are great because they are portable. They can be taken on road trips, to the beach or done on a couch watching TV.
2 Sizes - Try both sizes. The smaller 4.5" disk was originally
designed for kids, but they are very nice for everyone, not just smaller hands.
As the diameter of the disk is smaller, the hand does not have to travel as far as with the larger disk. However the EZ-Bobs get a bit more entangled as they are closer to one another. The larger 6" disk is recommended for any patterns with more than 8 strands. In addition, if you use a pattern where you need to read the numbers, they are easier to read on the larger disk.
Thickness or Density - If the standard 10 mm (3/8") thick disk does not hold your tension tight enough, try the 2x thicker 20 mm (3/4") ones. Keep newer disks for thinner cords and use older ones for thicker cord. The thicker disks are called double-density, however the foam density of all the disks is the same, it is the thickness that's doubled.
32 or 64 Slots - 32 slots is more than enough slots for most braids, however if you decide to try braids with multiple cords then the 64 slot one the tool you will need. It is only available in the thicker (double) 20 mm foam version.
Hole Size - All of the disks have large 35 mm (1 3/8") center holes.
Hold and rotate the disk with one hand while moving the threads with the other. The clear handle allows to see the braid as it is made.
PLASTIC BOBBINS
Small EZ Bobs
Medium EZ Bobs
Large EZ Bobs
EZ-Bob1 ~ 1 7/8 "(4.65 cm) diameter
Made in the USA
EZ-Bob3 ~ 2 1/2 " (6.35 cm) diameter
Made in the USA
EZ-Bob4 ~ 3 1/2 " (8.90 cm)diameter
Imported
Not sure which size is best for you? Get a sample pack, with 1 small, 1 medium and 1 large EZ-Bob.
Weighed Small EZ Bobs 24 gr Weight - 1 7/8 inch (4.65 cm) Diameter
Imported.
Good plastic construction. Heavier plastic gauge than the standard Small EZ Bobs
Good weights for the end of the braid. Use the mini-clamps shown above to secure them. Use singly or stack them until the desired weight is achieved. Some braiders use them as regular bobbins and like the weight to keep the bobbins tangle free. I find them too heavy for this type of use.
KUMIHIMO SETS - STANDARD MINI K-DISK SET
This set is best for beaded kumihimo projects made with 8 cords with beads.
Mini KumihimoTool Bag
Left: Zipper Bag 9 x 8 x 2 inches
(23 x 20 x 5 cm)
Right: Open Bag 8 x 7 x 2.5 (20 x 17 x 7 cm)
Your choice of bag with satin edges to take your project on the go. Plus:
1 Mini Kumihimo Disk 4.25 inch in Ø
8 Small EZ-Bobs
1 Weighted EZ-Bob
1 Mini-Clamp
1 Beeswax
2 Bead Embroidery Needles
1 Big Eye Needle
1 Bead Mat
$14.00 each#MiniKB-ToolBag
DOUBLE DENSITY MINI K-DISK SET
This set is best for beaded kumihimo projects made with fine threads such as C-Lon Fine Weight bead Cord, C-Lon Micro Cord, or Fine Beading Thread as the thick or double density mini-kumihimo disk puts more gip on the thread or cord in the slots. Note: The scissors, micro-tip snip, and paperclip are not included in the bag.
Thick Mini Kumihimo Tool Bag
Left: Zipper Bag 9 x 8 x 2 inches
(23 x 20 x 5 cm)
Right: Open Bag 8 x 7 x 2.5 (20 x 17 x 7 cm)
Your choice of bag with satin edges to take your project on the go. Plus:
1 Thick or Double Density Mini Kumihimo Disk 4.25 inch in Ø
8 Small EZ-Bobs
1 Weighted EZ-Bob
1 Mini-Clamp
1 Bead Mat
$14.00 each#ThickMiniKB-ToolBag
MORE SETS For gifts, add some color tissue inside...
Starter Mini K-Disk Set
2-Mini K-Disk Set
2-K-Disk Set - 1 Large, 1 Mini
1 Mini Kumihimo Disk
8 EZ Bobs
1 Mini-Clamp
1 Weighted EZ-Bob (not shown)
1 Thick Mini Kumihimo Disk
1 Mini Kumihimo Disk
16 EZ Bobs
2 Mini-Clamps
2 Weighted EZ-Bob
1 6 Inch Kumihimo Disk
1 Mini Kumihimo Disk
16 EZ Bobs
2 Mini-Clamps
2 Weighted EZ-Bob (not shown)
Tool Bag for Beaded Kumi
Kumihimo Bag
Beach Bag
1 6 Inch Kumihimo Disk
8 EZ Bobs
1 Weighted EZ Bobs
1 Mini-Clamp
1 Pack of 5 Big Eye needles
1 Large Bag with Satin Edges
Get extra Big EyeNeedles
1 6 Inch Kumihimo Disk
1 Mini Kumihimo Disk
16 EZ Bobs
2 Mini-Clamps
Instructions
1 Large Bag with Satin Edges
Great way to try both sizes of K-Disks
Same content as Kumihimo Bag, + your choice of 10 C-Lon Bead Cord, or 4 C-Lon Bead Cord and 4 C-Lon Micro or Fine Weight Cord, or 8 C-Lon Tex 400 Bead Cord.
The bag has burlap sides, transparent mesh in front and back and a zipper at the top and discount on cord!
KUMI-BAG with PLATE Get a Plate instead of the 6" Disk
plus 2 extra EZ Bobs
SUPPLIES FOR TEACHERS
Mini K-Disk
6 Inch K-Disk
100 Small EZ Bobs
With no instructions
With no instructions
Get a bag of 100 for your class
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