Flow

Kumihimo production process

The flow of making braided cord is posted step by step.

Kumihimo, one of Japan's traditional crafts, is made by crossing and braiding from several to dozens of silk threads. The beautiful three-dimensional construction of the stitches is created by the handwork of craftsmen who firmly insert the threads into the fabric, giving it a unique tension. We order silk thread from Nishijin, Kyoto, which has bright colors and a smooth texture, make bundles of thread, wrap weights around them, and move the weights according to the design as we weave the threads together.

silk thread

The braid is made from pure silk. The unique luster and good coloring are unique to silk. Our store uses yarn from specialty stores in Kyoto and Nishijin. I'm ordering it.
Thread handling, beading

A set length and number of threads are bundled together and made into a "Kumidama". It is rolled into a weighted wooden ball called a ball. A typical obijime is made by aligning the threads to a length of 2.3m, and making it 1.6m long. The item will be about the same length.
assembly stand

Attach the knotted thread to the braiding stand. This type is called a ``marudai'', and we also use a ``kakudai'' type. The number of beads varies depending on how it is assembled.
Assembling work

Swap the balls back and forth and left and right according to a set procedure. Let's tie the string together. It's a repetitive simple task, but if it doesn't go well, The string gets twisted or you make a mistake in the procedure. Sometimes.
How to choose colors and patterns

What color to choose and how to start assembling Should I put the colors on the table? This determines the color and pattern that appears on the string. This is the most interesting part of braiding.
Assembled

It takes several hours to assemble a string with a simple design, and a whole day or more if it has a complicated pattern with many beads. Cut the required length from the assembled string to make accessories and stationery.