Kumihimo

Kumihimo is a method of braiding silk threads developed in Japan which is traditionally performed on special wooden stands called Maru Dai and Takadai. The literal translation of kumihimo means the "coming together (kumi) of threads (himo)".

Kumihimo braids were originally used as ties, cording and belts for clothing, and closures for Samurai armor. The braids are durable and beautiful and have patterns in them that are formed by varying the sequence of thread movements while creating the braids.

Modern crafters create kumihimo braids out of many different fibers besides silk and the braids are made into jewelry, hatbands, belts or decorative knotting and embellishments. Many crafters use small, portable foam or plastic versions of maru dai as alternative to the traditional wooden stands.

(image above from Makiko Tada's gallery site)

History and General Information

Kyoto Kumihimo Braids: Description and pictures of traditional Japanese kumihimo production.
Hirai Kumihimo House: An historic museum and store of kumihimo in Japan, this site offers a lot of interesting history and information.
Kumihimo Introduction: A general explaination and history of kumihimo craft.
Braiding on a Takadai: A brief description of how braids are formed on a takadai as well as an illustration of a dressed takadai.
About Kumihimo Braiding: The home page for the Melbourne Kumihimo Group with a description of kumihimo and a picture of someone creating a braid on a maru dai.
Creative Fibre Magazine - Kumihimo: An article describing the history of kumihimo and the several different types of looms, the braids they produce and their dressings.

Examples and Inspiration

Makiko Tada: Makiko's work is stunning. That's just all there is to say.
Kim Starbard's Gallery: Impressive kumihimo braids made into jewelry with beaded end caps.
Carol Goodwin's Gallery: Several nice kumihimo necklaces, some incorporating beads.
Giovanna Imperia's Gallery: Some beautiful multi-braid kumihimo necklaces that any fiber artist would appreciate.
Hirai Kumihimo House Products: Items for sale by the Hiria Kumihimo House in Japan. Beautiful examples of necklaces, earrings (knotted), keychains, scarves and straps. See the rest of their interesting site here.
Yayoi Miura: Some amazing patterns here created by this takadai braider. She has several galleries of beautiful braids. Make sure to check out the Hyakuninisshu page!
Richard Sutherland's Gallery: Examples of braids made on a Takadai from flat ribbons to full sized scarves. There's also some pictures of Richard using the Takadai.
Orion's Plumage - Kumihimo: Examples of different patterns in maru dai created braids and a brief explanation of how they were once used for Samurai armor.
Chrissy Bristow: Chrissy uses beads in her kumihimo work both as embellishment to braids and woven directly into the braid during creation. Interesting techniques.
Spinning Jenny's Kuhihimo: Her maru dai braid gallery has examples of several patterns in the same colorways to better see the difference between them. She also has a takadai gallery.
Mike's Braids: Examples of Mike's work on his maru dai. He also created some software that allows you to experiment with color combinations for the Mitaki Gumi pattern.
Unique Trend: An online jewelry shop specializing in kumihimo based jewelry. Necklaces and bracelets, many embellished with beads. Make sure to check out the gallery page!
Kumihimo Samples: Several examples of braids created with embroidery floss and crochet thread as well as a picture of a braid being constructed on a maru dai.
Shawnee Holmberg: The gallery of Shawnee's jewelry contains many examples of using fibers other than silk to create interesting and varied texture in her pieces.
Fiber Expression Gallery: A pretty kumihimo necklace. Also one here and here.
Halla's Kumihimo: Some examples of necklaces made of kumihimo and a bowl!
Alethia Donothan: An artist who creates kumihimo necklaces with lampworked bead focal points and beaded embellishments. Very beautiful work.
Japanese Gallery: I haven't been able to figure out what the name of this site is but they have a wonderful sample page of maru dai (top) and takadai (bottom) created braids. Go to the home page as well and click on the links at the bottom for even more examples of work.

Tutorials, Tips and Patterns

Tutorial on the Card Method: This is a how-to on using the "card method" for kumihimo: creating braids on a cardboard "maru dai" that you can make yourself. There are limits to what you can do with this method but for a beginner it is an easy and inexpensive way to get started.
Finishing a Braid: Pictorial how-to on tying off a braid and creating a nice tassel with the ends.
Coral Snakes Pattern (maru dai): A colorway for the Hira Kara Gumi pattern with an interesting backstory as well.
Kumihimo Terminology: A glossary of terms used to describe tools, supplies, patterns and other aspects of kumihimo.
Hearts Pattern (maru dai): A "beginner's" pattern for the maru dai. I have not tried this pattern myself, though someone I know has and said there's a step missing somewhere...
Simple Kumihimo Cord: A tutorial on how to create a simple braid using the card method.
Eight's Great: Another tutorial on making the 8 strand braid with the card method.

Tools and Supply Sources

BraidersHand: "Makers of quality Japanese style kumihimo equipment: marudai, takadai, and tama. Purveyors of books, kumihimo silk, biron, and metallic threads for braiding."

This is where I got my wonderful foam maru dai that I use all the time now. Here's a closeup of the disk from another site.
Mountain Loom Co.: A manufacturer of maru dai and tama as well as a source for silk thread. This page has an overview of kumihimo itself and the tools that are used to create the braids.
Hand Dyed Fibers: A resource for silk and bunka fiber that was recommended by my Temari newsgroup.
Weir Dolls and Crafts: Kumuhimo jewelry kits and jewelry findings
Marudai (braiding stands) - Tama (braiding bobbins) and supplies
Braiding cards (for card method work)
Braiding books and silk threads
Carey Company: The supply website by author and kumihimo guru, Jaqui Carey which features jewelry findings for finishing your braids.
Makiko Tada's Books: This is a listing of Makiko's books on maru dai and takadai braiding but they're not easy to find in the states. I listed this because the ISBN numbers are there so if you want to hunt for them it will be a little easier.
Lacis Book Catalog: This site has a comprehensive listing of kumihimo, macrame and knotting books, many of which are direct Japanese imports (unavailable on Amazon). I have several of the books on this list and would love to have the rest!