Kumihimo Starter Kit: KumiLoom(„) Disk/Bobbins/Booklet/Necklace Kit

Kumihimo is a Japanese word for a braided cord. A centuries-old art form, now you can do it with the KumiLoom(TM), a modern, easy-to-use braiding disk.

This kit contains the KumiLoom(TM) personal Kumihimo braiding disk (the only disk designed for both round and flat braids); 8 fantastic flexible cord-handling bobbins, making the work much easier and faster; complete supplies for a necklace with clasps and filigree bead focal point; and a 12 page booklet of instructions for the round braid!

In the early 8th century, when the Buddhist religion spread in Japan, people began to use decorative braids in ceremonies. The making of these beautiful, usually silk, braids became an art, and later, people used colorful braids to decorate their clothing, hang ritual banners, lace samurai armor together, tie robes, and decorate weapons. Braids can be found in many cultures, but the Japanese developed the highest order of braiding techniques and complexity.

Today, you can create beautiful braided cords in the Kumihimo style with the KumiLoom, the modern braiding disc. The notches provide the correct tension, so you don't need hanging weights. The cord winds up into the individual flexible bobbins, so you keep a compact workspace, but easily and quickly feed cord as you braid. There are 8 bobbins in this kit (they come snapped together, just unsnap them to use!).

So many uses! Your braids can be used to hang jewelry, for coiling on gourds or baskets, or as a purse handle. Braided cords are also used for eyeglass cord, cell phone loops, lanyards, light pulls or curtain ties, clothing, key chains, leashes, zipper pulls, binding, decoration, costumes...there's no end projects.

The necklace kit includes has 40 feet of cord (colors vary), end caps/findings, and a filigree tube bead focal point (designs vary) - everything you need for your first project, a necklace!

KumiLoomTM octagonal design © Copyright 2008 Kathy James