Kumihimo Braiding Tools

By Carmi Cimicata

We are launching a new group of products dedicated to the Japanese art of braiding: Kumihimo. “Kumihimo cord was first created by a form of finger-loop braiding. The most prominent historical use of the cords was by samurai as both a functional and decorative way to lace their armour and their horses’ armor. Kumihimo cords are now used as ties on haori jackets and obijimes, which are used for tying on an obi (kimono sash).”

We now offer 30 new fabulous colours of rattail cord - there are metallics, pastels and brights featured in 3 new sizes ; 1mm , 2mm and 3mm. These are perfect for using the new Kumihimo braiding tools, and even come on flexible bobbins for tangle-free braiding. (bobbins also available separately)

Suggested Materials & Tools: Kumihimo Disc Kit, Kumihimo Square Plate Kit, Rattail cord, end caps or Kumihimo findings, large-hole beads , silk thread, glue, scissors

The kumihimo tool comes with instructions and is very easy to use; it takes only about an hour to make a necklace! The dense foam holds the cords securely in the slots while you work.

The disc makes round braids, and the square plate makes flat braids.

You can also mix other fibers into the braid for a different effect. Here we've mixed silver and blue rattail and added some interesting gold knitting yarn! The results are amazing and the braid looks very soft now. The round braid is great for stringing large-hole beads and chunky pendants.

Or mix chain into the design. You just have to be a little more gentle when working with the chain so that you don’t damage the slots on the foam disk.

Once you're done braiding, tie off the braid with silk thread, crop the ends and secure with a dab of glue.


To finish the necklace, you can use end caps or our new Kumihimo findings. If you want to use end caps,make a loop out of wire or use a head/eye pin and insert into the end cap.

Glue your kumihimo cord ends into the end caps with Hypo Cement. Hypo cement adheres to metal and fabrics, it will dry in a few hours and cures in about 24 hours. Or you can use E6000 glue which also works great.

For extra security, you can wrap wire around the cord ends and then feed the wire end through the end cap to make the loop instead.

Or you can use the new Kumihimo findings which have a loop attached and are specially designed to fit on round kumihimo braids!