KUMIHIMO - 組み紐
Just to recall why I was so fascinated by this Kumihimo. I was watching the anime movie Your Name (君の名は - Kimi no Na Wa). 2016 and all time highest grossing anime film as of now. It started off with a relation between two person's fate is already predestined by a red thread. That's what the Chinese believes as well. Then two person (different gender) from two different places swapping their souls into each other's bodies. The girl had a cord tied to her hair in which was what it linked to each other. There's this scene where the cord was braided by the girl together with her grandmother in one of their looming or crafting room... and the story goes.
Then there goes my head. Ohh~! look there's another method use to braid a cord. I've only known the Friendship Band method which results in a flat piece and you are required to tie each thread to another accordingly. Whereas this only uses interweave method to make a round cord and also flat chords. I did some google-ing and it linked me to Kumihimo. Exactly what I was looking for.
What is Kumihimo?
From the name you can know that it's Japanese. It is a form of braiding art using multiple threads to form a cord. Similarly to hair braiding, it only uses the interlacing method. It began with simple finger loop braiding in which evolves to using a tool to make a much more complex and intricate designs using the:-
- Marudai : Round stand (commonly used). Makes round/flat braids.
- Kakudai : Square stand. Makes square/round/oval braids.
- Ayatakedai : High stand. Makes flat braids.
- Takadai : Bamboo stand. Makes flat braids single/double layered.
The Kumihimo is also used in Kimono dress as Obijime that keeps the obi from slipping. I've always thought it was some normal cord and never come to mind that it requires braiding. It's also being used as decorative ornaments and for purses. Of most recent, beads were added to create lavishly beautiful cords.
Kumihimo History
The Kumihimo existed for about 1,500 years ago. To summarize it:-
- Nara Period (645 - 784 AD) : Simple form of braid. For securing clothing, Samurai attire, wrap around sword hilts for better grip, and religious ceremonies.
- Heian Period (784 -1184 AD) : More complex and elaborated. Growth of use in Buddhism temple decorations which was done by monks, and still used in securing clothing.
- Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and Muromachi Period (1333-1573 AD) : Samurai armour was made up of lacquered iron plates joined together with braids. As much as 250-300m of braid was required for a single suit of armour and in addition kumihimo braids were used for binding on swords, horse armour and horse harnesses. The braids were produced in a wide variety of designs and widths, with interesting details and textures.
- Monoyama Period (1573-1614) : Start of use in Kimono wearing and still in used today. Braid is known as Obijime and worn to hold the Obi sash in place.
- Edo Period (1616-1867) : Most of traditional patterns developed.
- Meiji Period (1867-1912) : Decline in use due to Samurais was forbidden to wear armor. But still popular as Obijime.
- Today : Majority of the Obijime are made by machine. But became popularized among hobbyist and craftist in which would prefer a DIY option.
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| Kumihimo Braiding Disk from DAISO |
Kumihimo How To?
Firstly, we need a jig or tool to begin making the Kumihimo. Simplest form of tool would be the Marudai. Instead of getting the stand version, There's a foam version available for purchase online. I happen to come by the foam version at DAISO for MYR5.90 (Picture Right) or click link for DIY - Kumihimo Braiding Disk.
Materials:
Then prepare 8 strands of threads. Recommended length should be "3X or slightly more" than the end result length.
4pcs black | 2 pcs red | 2 pcs yellow. You can also use longer strands of threads and half it instead.
Directions:
1. Tie a knot at one end of the threads. if you are using the longer strands, find the middle and tie a knot there instead.
2. With the knot at the braiding disk center, slot the individual strings to the slot accordingly. This depends on the pattern you are trying to generate. Refer below diagram for the patterns and link to the Pattern Generator.
3. Use following guided steps to begin braiding.
Materials:
Then prepare 8 strands of threads. Recommended length should be "3X or slightly more" than the end result length.
4pcs black | 2 pcs red | 2 pcs yellow. You can also use longer strands of threads and half it instead.
Directions:
1. Tie a knot at one end of the threads. if you are using the longer strands, find the middle and tie a knot there instead.
2. With the knot at the braiding disk center, slot the individual strings to the slot accordingly. This depends on the pattern you are trying to generate. Refer below diagram for the patterns and link to the Pattern Generator.
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This is the site for Pattern Generator.
Creates up to 20 strands for Kumihimo patterns.
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| Braiding Steps If you noticed the STEP3, it requires to rotate disk 90∘ anti-clockwise. If you are working on a higher thread counts the move is actually to the next pair on the right. |
4. Continue to braid until you reach the end of the strand where the disk is unable to hold it in any longer or you may want to stop even earlier once you have reached the required length needed.
5. To finish up, you can remove from disk and tie a basic overhand knot a the end of the braid. OR you can also tie individual strands with the knot as well.
6. Trim the tail ends and there you have your first Kumihimo Braid. Here's mine below.
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| End Result of my first time in making the Kumihimo braid |
You can further read about the Japanese Kumihimo with examples and pictures in following site:-
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