Purple Kumihimo Braided Bracelet

Learn how to create a beautiful braided bracelet, using the Kumihuimo braiding technique. Don't be put off by how it looks, it's super easy once you know how!

We created a single wrap bracelet, but you could carry on braiding to create a double wrap bracelet, or a necklace...

Materials Needed:

4 x 1 metre length of 1mm Purple rat tail ( RT113 ) - to make a 7 inch bracelet

4 x 1metre of 1mm Lilac rat tail ( RT124 ) - to make a 7 inch bracelet

2x 6mm end cap ( CEA6SP )

2 x 5mm Jump rings (JR5SP)

1 x toggle clasp ( TOG38SP )

Super Glue ( ZAP-1 )

Tools Required

Kumihimo Braiding Disc ( BRD ),

A sharp pair of scissors, (SCIMX),

Optional- (but it will make your life a lot easier) no tangle thread bobbins (BOB1), kumihimo weight (KW45),

two pairs of chain nosed pliers ( BEECN-1 )

Instructions:

Hold your strands together at one end and tie a knot, leaving about 5cm of loose threads. If you're using bobbins, wind each one of your cords around a bobbin.
With the numbers facing up, place the knotted end of the thread through the centre of the disc. Clip on your Kumihimo Weight, this creates the correct tension. Hold the disc so that number 32 is at the top and 16 is at the bottom.
Place a dark purple cord between the 31 and 32, place a dark purple cord between 32 and 1. Place a lilac cord between 7 and 8, place a lilac cord between 8 and 9. Place a purple cord between 15 and 16, place a purple cord between 16 and 17. Place a lilac cord between 23 and 24, place a lilac cord between 24 and 25. Pull the cord gently so that there is a nice even tension. Photo 1

4. Take the cord from between 16 & 17 (bottom left), and slot in between 30 & 31 (top left) (photo 2)

5. Take the cord from between 32 & 1 (top right), and slot in between 14 & 15 (bottom right) (photo 3)

6. Turn the disc anti clockwise to the next set of cords. Number 8 will be at the top, number 24 at the bottom (photo 4)

7. Remove the cord from between 24 & 25 (bottom left) and slot in between 6 & 7 (top left)

8. Take the cord from between 8 & 9 (top right), and slot in between 22 & 23 (bottom right)

9. Turn the disc anti clockwise, so the number 32 is at the top, and repeat the pattern of moving the cord from bottom left - to top left. Then top right to bottom right. Turn your disc and repeat the braiding pattern until you have made the braid to your desired length. TIP, keep braiding a bit longer then you need. Watch the pattern appear out of the bottom of the disc! (photo 5)

10. When you've finished braiding, take a length of thread, at one end of your braid, wind the thread around your braid, and tie a knot. This is so your newly braided cord doesn't spring apart! Position the thread 5mm along from where you want your end cap to be ( photo 6 )

11. Take one of your end caps, carefully dap some super glue into it. Very carefully and neatly cut your kumihimo braid 5mm along from the knotted thread, and tuck it into the end cap. Hold for a few minutes until it's secure. (photo 7) Repeat at the other end. Leave overnight, to ensure the glue is properly dry.