Kumihimo - Japanese Chord Braiding

Ropes and chords created using ancient Japanese braiding techniques can be used as purse straps, necklaces, trimming for clothing, belts, dog leashes and of course friendship bracelets. It is our newest handicraft thanks again to Grandma.

It is done in its traditional form using a specialized small wooden table which is round on the top with a hole in the middle and square on the bottom. We used portable foam looms to create our chords. The basic technique is fairly simple with only three steps to remember after set-up. My six year old easily followed the basic technique to create some friendship bracelets.

A Complete Guide To Kumihimo On A Braiding Loom: Round, Flat, Square, Hollow, And Beaded Braids And Necklaces provides directions for the basic and advancing techniques as well as design tips. Grandma sent the book with the loom and it was plenty for us to get started and stay busy for a long time.

I like this craft because it is very portable. A small bag can hold enough supplies to create several different chords and provide hours of entertainment. I often bring it to the hospital for Jemma to work on while she receives her chemotherapy.

This post is linked to:
Chicken Chick
Montessori Monday
Sew Can Do
Relentlessly Fun
Family Fun Friday
Messy Kids
Reading Confetti
All Things Beautiful
Hearts for Home

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