Weaving Japanese kumihimo cords is inextricably linked with the ancient traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun. In those distant times, men used them to garter swords, and women used them to garter kimonos. The traditional culture of Japan attaches great importance to any type of handicraft. Therefore, whatever it is - origami, bonsai, ikebana, kinusaiga and other native Japanese forms of art - all this is not just a hobby or a way to entertain yourself. This is a whole philosophy. And sometimes it takes a lifetime to hone such skills.

"Kumihimo" is translated from Japanese as "to weave ropes." Despite cultural studies in Scandinavian countries and the discovery of a similar type of needlework there, it is Japanese laces that are considered the most ancient art of weaving threads.

These cords were originally used in sacred ceremonies in the early days of Buddhism in Japan. Later this handicraft became part of daily life and began to be used for quite everyday purposes - samurai used kumihimo cords to garter their combat equipment, Japanese women tied up their kimonos, not excluding aesthetic purposes.

At first, strong threads or leather were used for weaving. When the craft ceased to serve purely practical purposes and began to be used for wrapping and decorating gifts for the nobility and the imperial family, the Japanese began to use silk and other noble materials. Despite their tenderness, such cords still turned out to be very strong, but now they no longer required so much strength - they were expensive and were considered worthy only of the highest ranks.

Centuries later, Japanese laces spread throughout the world. You can find information on the Internet that representatives of the hippie subculture wove their baubles using this technique, but this is not so. The fact is that a classic bauble is woven using a large number of knots, but in the kumihimo technique there are no knots as such - the threads are simply intertwined in a certain order. Therefore, despite the external similarity of the finished products, the approach to their production is completely different.

Equipment structure

Historically, the technology of weaving using a machine has developed. There are two varieties: marudai (from Japanese for "round stand") is more common, and takadai ("square stand") is a little less common. Both devices in their traditional form are the following designs:

The traditional marudai is a rather bulky device, so it can only be used as a stationary machine. However, in these times of mobility, an improved lightweight version of both machines has appeared. It can be bought in handicraft stores or ordered on specialized websites, but it can also be made by hand.

To do this, it is enough to find a piece of dense material - it can be plywood, polystyrene foam, polypropylene foam, or even thick cardboard from which boxes are made. The mini-marudai is cut out in the shape of a circle of a convenient size (you should not take the diameter too large, 15 cm is enough). A hole no more than 2 cm in diameter is cut in the center.

Next, the workpiece is sanded if wood was used to make it. If it is a different material, then you can immediately start marking. The entire circle must be divided into 32 parts. This is the basic kumihimo markup. When weaving, you can use all divisions or any other number. The main thing is that the number is a power of two - 16, 8, or 4. In more complex work, 64 can be used, but for this you must first master the technique itself, and then you can experiment with the quantity.

Takadai is made in the same way, only the basis is not a circle, but a rectangle or square. Marked equally on each side. After applying the markings, you need to make cuts on each division no more than 1 cm deep. The threads will be secured in them. The upper division should be marked in a contrasting color as the beginning of the weaving. Actually, this is where the manufacture of the machine ends; further actions are carried out taking into account the characteristics of the intended product.

Preparing for work

When the miniature machine is ready, you need to decide on the color of the future product, as well as its size. The length of the thread should exceed the length of the finished product by two and a half times. If you are planning a small product like a bauble, then the ends of the threads can be left free, but in the case of making, for example, a belt, you should wind each thread onto a spool or just a strip of cardboard, otherwise they will get tangled when weaving.

It’s better to start simple, so the optimal number of threads is 4 pieces. The color is chosen solely based on the preferences of the master - you can make a bauble in pastel colors, or you can take so-called acidic shades or select a range to match certain clothes.

Once the colors have been chosen and the threads have been measured and cut, they need to be tied in a knot. The knot is placed in the center, for example, of a marudai, and the threads are distributed into divisions. If you are weaving a cord of 4 threads, then they will be located, strictly speaking, on four sides - top, bottom, left and right. To describe how to weave kumihimo, the following names are usually used to designate the threads - top, bottom, and so on.

When distributing threads of different colors, you can improvise, or you can use kumihimo weaving patterns - just see the required arrangement of threads for the initial arrangement, more diagram will not need.

The machine is loaded, all that remains is to prepare the weight for the lace. As a plumb line, you can use, for example, a heavy keychain or even a stone, but it will need to be wrapped in a kind of rag bag, tied and attached to a knot on the threads in the center of the machine. If you are using a keychain or something else with a loop, you can attach a paperclip to it and also hook it to the knot.

Weaving order

On traditional looms, two threads are woven at a time, but on a portable loom this is inconvenient, since you need to hold the loom with one hand, and only the other can take the thread. But the weaving technique remains virtually unchanged.

To start weaving, the machine is taken in a comfortable hand so that the mark symbolizing the beginning is on top. Although there are no marks on large Japanese devices, it will still help beginners find their way.

The standard weaving order is as follows:

1. The leading hand takes the upper thread and moves it down. You need to insert it into the division to the right of the bottom thread.
2. The bottom thread is pulled out of the slot and raised into a division to the left of the original location of the top thread.
3. The machine is turned counterclockwise so that the start mark is on the left. Now the left thread has become the bottom thread, and the right thread has become the top thread. They do the same with them: the top one is down, and the bottom one is up, shifting it a little, as in the first two steps.
4. The machine is turned again and the same actions are repeated. And so on until the lace becomes the desired length.

From 4 threads you can quickly weave a bracelet or a cord for tying your hair. As a result, it will come out neither round nor flat, but rather square, since the same number of threads was taken on each side. But its cross-section will not be as noticeable as, for example, a 16-thread cord. 16 strand kumihimo patterns look a little more complicated, but the algorithm of actions is not at all different. It will differ only if different machines are used - round or square.

Flat cord

In order for the product to turn out flat, you need to use a takadai loom and distribute the threads so that there is one on the left and right, and the rest need to be placed equally on top and bottom. That is, if you use 16 pieces, there will be 7 on top and bottom, and one on the sides. For weaving on a portable loom, it would be better and more convenient to add one thread so that the number is 1 greater than the power of two. For example, not 8, but 9, not 16, but 17, and so on.

Therefore, on one side, for example, on top, there will be 8 threads, and on the bottom - 7 . The weaving algorithm will be as follows:

This is a simpler weaving option. On a real Takadai machine, the movement looks slightly different, therefore ready product will have a different type of weave. But for beginner needlewomen it is quite complicated, and you can get confused, so it’s better to start with a simplified version.

Round tourniquet

Weaving a round cord from 16 threads is carried out in the same way as from 4, but the result is a product of greater thickness. In addition, the thickness of the finished bundle depends on the thickness of the source material.

Kumihimo weaving patterns for beginners can be printed out and attached to your mini loom to avoid confusion when weaving and placing.

Finished product design

When the braided cord has reached the desired length, you need to unfasten the weight - it will no longer be needed - and secure, for example, the edge of the weave with an invisible thread so that it does not unravel. After this, you can remove all the threads from the loom and think about how best to complete the product. There are several commonly used options, but no one bothers you to use your imagination to the fullest and come up with something of your own. Popular designs include:

In order for the bracelet to be fastened, before weaving it, you can make a loop using the macrame technique in front of the future knot. To do this, you need to take the threads twice as long and simply fold them in half, then braid them with a separate color. And at the end of the product you can put on a round or oblong bead.

Cords can be made using the kumihimo technique from any available modern material - from sewing or knitting threads, waxed or leather cords, as well as thin ribbons. The advantages of this needlework are that it is quite simple and quite accessible for working with children, in addition, the products are very durable and durable, as well as unique, this will allow any needlewoman to create her own unusual style.

The fascinating hobby of weaving baubles is suitable for those who like to create beautiful things with their own hands. Along with beaded products, there are less popular, but the same beautiful techniques, like weaving from floss and kumihimo threads. Making them is much easier than weaving fenki from beads or using a crochet hook.

By following a simple pattern, you can create real masterpieces that are worn on the arm or on the waist in the form of a belt. Their advantage is that the thread is stronger than the same line for beads, so the durability of floss baubles is longer. Anyone can learn these techniques, even those who have never created anything with their hands in their life.

Weaving baubles, the patterns of which are presented later in the article, begins with the selection of threads and tools. It is necessary, having studied the topic, to decide how the product will be fixed, to organize workplace and then just start weaving.

To get started, you need to have everything at hand necessary tools:

• threads;
• scissors;
• tape or any other tool for fastening threads;
• large comb (to move the knots to the top).

How to secure threads

In order for the work to turn out smooth and taut, it is necessary to prepare correctly, namely, secure the measured threads, which are inconvenient to hold with your hands, even if they are connected in 1 knot.

There are many ways to secure threads:

• tie all the threads into a knot and attach it to the table with a piece of tape;
• do not tie the threads into a knot, but distribute them separately on a piece of tape, which is then attached to the table;
• secure the tailbones with a paper clip on the book;
• tie the ends of the threads to a pin, which is attached to the pillow;

• string each thread individually onto a large pin, which is attached to the fabric;
• place the threads separately on a paper tablet that has a clamp, put a ruler on top of the threads, and secure it with a clamp;
• string all the threads separately onto the accessories at once, for example, onto a belt.

Basic knots for weaving baubles

There are only 2 main knots for weaving, the other 2 are their mirror image. They are performed using a working thread and a main thread, which is pulled vertically, taking a passive position.

The threads will change places during the process, this should be taken into account and not try to twist the work, trying to return them to their original position. For learning it is better to take threads different colors to make it easier to understand the weaving process.

Straight knot

A right or straight knot is performed with the participation of 2 threads, working and main. In the diagrams it is depicted as an arrow looking from the northwest to the southeast.

Weaving:

1. The working thread is on the left, the main thread is on the right.
2. The working thread lies on the main thread in the form of the number “4”, and its end comes out of the formed loop.
3. The main thread must be held strictly vertically, pulling with your left hand.
4. Push the knot all the way to the top of the work, with the working thread pointing to the right.
5. Repeat the action 1 more time.
6. Thus, the threads need to be swapped.

Reverse knot

The left or reverse knot is the mirror image of the forward knot. In the diagram it is depicted as a diagonal arrow running from northeast to southwest.

Weaving:

1. The main thread is on the left, the working thread is on the right.
2. The working thread lies on the main thread, forming the reverse number “4”, pointing to the right.
3. Bring the end of the working thread through the loop formed.
4. Pull the main thread vertically right hand.
5. Pull the working thread with your left hand, moving the knot to the very top of the work.
6. Repeat the process, swapping threads.

Left tatting

This knot is a mixture of forward and reverse, the difference here is that at the end the threads do not change places.

In the diagram, a node is indicated by a broken arrow pointing to the lower left corner.

Weaving:

1. The main thread should be held with your left hand.
2. Apply with your right hand working thread to the main one, forming “4”.
3. Thread the working thread into the loop and pull with your right hand to the very top, securing the knot.
4. Perform the second knot in the same way, placing the working thread on the main thread, forming a reverse “4”.
5. Thread the tip of the working thread into the loop and pull it with your left hand, now hold the main thread vertically with your right hand.
6. Fit the knot to the base of the work.

Right tatting

This knot is the reverse version of the left tatting, and in the diagram it looks like a curved arrow pointing towards the lower right corner.

Weaving:

1. The main thread lies strictly vertically and is pulled with the right hand.
2. Place the working thread on top of the main thread, forming a reverse “4”.
3. Pull the end of the working thread through the loop with your left hand.
4. Pull the knot up.
5. Switch hands, hold the main thread with your left hand, and the working thread with your right.
6. Place the working thread on top of the main thread, forming a straight “4”.
7. Pull the working end through the loop and pull the knot up to the base.

Methods of weaving baubles from floss

Weaving baubles, patterns for which can be found in the public domain, begins with learning the above 4 types of weaving.

Having mastered this basics, you can begin to make multi-colored patterns and weaves. Schemes that are complex at first glance are always marked with colors and their further movement in the work, as well as the direction indicated by straight and curved arrows.

Braiding

A braid can be both the main type of weaving and the design of the edges of a bauble. You can use an even or odd number of threads.

It is better for beginners to perform this complex, at first glance, weaving by comparing the work with the diagram given below.

Oblique weaving

This weaving is called oblique because the stripes on the finished work are located obliquely. To complete the work, you can take any number of threads. It is better for beginners to learn on different colored threads in order to grasp the essence of the process. The length of the threads should be 4 times longer than the finished bauble.

Weaving:

1. Measure the required number of threads and secure them at the base.
2. Lay out each thread separately from the other for ease of use.
3. Take the leftmost thread, it will be the working thread (all the rest are the main ones) and begin to braid all the others with it, one after another using the “Straight Knot” technique.
4. Having reached the end, braid the thread on the far right and make it working.
5. Start braiding each thread from left to right using the “Reverse Knot” technique.

Thus, all the threads on the right will move to the left and vice versa. Having reached the end of the bauble, you should secure the work by performing a Straight knot once. The knots will prevent the work from stretching. You should also leave room to create ties on both sides.

Straight weave

Weaving baubles, diagrams of which are attached to the description of the techniques, has one of the main techniques - direct weaving. This weaving on the finished work looks like horizontal lines, hardly running one after another.

The bauble will be the color of the working thread. The main thread can be of any color, it will not be visible at work. If you need to complete a drawing in the middle, then the main thread of a different color is replaced with a working thread.

In this version, a bauble of one color will be described:

1. Measure out several threads, for example, 12 pieces of the same length and color - these are the warp threads.
2. Secure them in a row in a convenient way. It is recommended to ensure that their edges are not closed into one knot, otherwise the bauble will lose its shape.
3. Leave the working thread in a skein of thread; its length will braid the entire work, so there is no need to cut it off.
4. The working thread is at the very end on the left.
5. Start weaving from left to right, braiding each warp thread using the Straight Knot technique.
6. Having reached the edge, change hands and weave with the same working thread, only from right to left using the “Reverse Knot” technique.
7. Draw up the ties and finish the work.

Straight weave with sharp arrows

To complete the work, you should take an even number of threads of the same length and secure them at the base.

In this case, the bauble will consist of 12 threads:

1. Start working from left to right. With the outermost thread, which is the working thread, begin to braid the first 5 threads using the “Straight Knot” technique.
2. Go to the work center and stop.
3. Next, take the outermost thread on the right, now it will be the working one, and begin to braid the next 5 main threads on the right using the “Reverse Knot” technique.
4. Having reached the center, intertwine the right working thread and the left one using the “Straight Knot” technique.
5. Repeat the process, starting on the left, reaching the center, then on the right.
6. In the center, where the working threads meet, alternate the “Forward knot” and the “Reverse knot”.
7. Decorate the ties, trim off the excess edges of the threads.

How to weave with names

Names, like any other drawings, are woven using the “ Straight weave" To do this, you need the drawing itself with the name, divided into squares of two colors, in order to understand where to change the color of the letter on the bauble itself.

Example of weaving the letter A

Weaving:

1. Choose a thread of 2 colors, for example, white and green, where white will be the main color and green the name itself.
2. Measure equal lengths for all threads and secure to the working base.
3. Place the threads of the pattern in the center, for example, there are 12 threads in total, 2 on both sides are pure white, the rest in the center are green.
4. Start weaving from left to right using the “Direct Weaving” technique the first few rows, departing from the pattern. All this time, only the white thread is visible.
5. Flip the picture with the name written horizontally vertically.
6. Having reached the first green knot, perform it using the “Reverse Knot” technique, that is, in a mirror manner from the main weave.
7. Alternate colors as shown in the picture.
8. At the end, weave the indentation with the main color in several rows.
9. Make ties, cut the thread.

What to do if the thread runs out

Weaving baubles, the patterns of which were presented above, also takes into account other skills, such as designing strings or solving such an unpleasant problem as a thread running out at the wrong time. It happens that the weaver incorrectly calculated the length of the thread, and in the middle of the work it ends.

If you run out of thread when weaving baubles: step-by-step steps

To fix this, you need to do the following steps:

• Move the remaining piece of old thread to the wrong side of the work so that it does not interfere.
• Then measure the required piece of thread and attach it to the place where the missing thread should be.
• Carefully braid the old working thread 2 times, tightening the knot well.
• edge new thread also take it to the wrong side of the work and tie it in a knot with old thread, trim the rest with scissors.

Kumihimo

Kumihimo is a Japanese form of weaving cords in a circle. Seeing elegant multi-colored cords for the first time, a needlewoman may think that this is a very complex weaving technique that only a select few can master. However, this is not so; moreover, this is the most simplest technique creating bright baubles.

Necessary materials and knowledge for weaving using this technique

To start weaving using the kumihimo technique, you don’t need to have any special knowledge; even a child can learn this method of creating baubles.

The most important thing in kumihimo is the combination of colors that determine the pattern on the product.

The materials needed to start weaving will require a special disk for kumihimo, which you can buy or make yourself, threads and attention.

Creating a machine to work on your own

The kumihimo or marudai disc can be made from wood, cardboard, foam, plastic or any other durable material. The discs come in different diameters from 10 cm to 20 cm, round and square. Round ones are suitable for volumetric work, and square ones for flat work.

To create a disk from cardboard (for example, from a box of household appliances or from under shoes) you will need:

• cardboard;
• compass;
• pencil;
• scissors.

1. Draw a circle with a diameter of 10 cm on cardboard.
2. Inside the circle, draw a small circle with a diameter of 20 cm with a compass.
3. Along the perimeter of the circle, draw lines at equal distances from each other, 2 cm long, 32 in number.
4. Using scissors, cut out a large and small circle inside the disk.
5. Cut the areas marked with lines along the circle.

The kumihimo disk is ready. You can also label each cut, as is done on the factory version, for ease of use.

Basic kumihimo weaving patterns

Kumihimo baubles can be voluminous, flat, square, hollow, and so on. Each of them requires a special machine, but the main and most popular is the weaving of volumetric (round) and flat cords. In terms of weaving techniques, they are not very different from each other, so those who master one of the techniques can easily cope with the other. Below are simple patterns for weaving kumihimo.

Diagram of a round kumihimo

Round kumihimo looks like an ordinary braided cord; it is created in a circle on a round loom or disk. To learn how to weave a bauble in this way, just take 2 colors of floss threads and calculate the size. 50 cm = 10 cm of finished work, plus about 10 cm for ties.

Kumihumo - baubles: weaving patterns (photo of round kumihumo)

1. Measure the required length of threads and tie them into a knot, leaving 10 cm.
2. Place the edge in the center of the inner circle.
3. Distribute threads 2 in the north, 2 in the south, 2 in the west and 2 in the east, tighten the threads.
4. Take the top left thread and place it in the disc slot to the right of the right south thread.
5. Move the left southern thread to the right of the right northern thread.
6. Turn the disc counterclockwise.
7. Repeat the steps of moving the threads with the western and eastern ones, which have now become northern and southern.
8. Continue moving the threads in this order, turning the disk counterclockwise.

The diagrams of round kumihimo indicate the original arrangement of colors. The weaving process is always the same.

Flat kumihimo diagram

For flat kumihimo you will need a square machine. It is the same as the round one, with a hole inside and slits on the sides, only square in shape. You can also create it from cardboard.

For a square bundle, you need to take an odd number of threads, for example, 13 pieces:

1. Place 6 threads in the slots on the northern part of the loom, 5 threads on the southern part and 1 each on the western and eastern parts.
2. Move the left outer thread from above to the free slot down to the left.
3. On the bottom, take the left thread (which was originally the outermost thread, but has now become the second thread) and place it in the vacated hole at the top left.
4. Take 2 threads from the top and place it in the vacated slot below.
5. Continue until the end of the top and bottom rows.
6. Swap the eastern and western threads.
7. Turn the machine counterclockwise and repeat the process.

The diagram of the square kumihimo also shows the colors for the threads. A trial version with 2 colors was discussed above; then you can mark on the machine itself the colors corresponding to the threads for ease of weaving.

Network

The braided bauble consists of 16 threads and is made on a round loom (disc).

It is necessary to measure the required length for 16 threads, which consist of 4 different colors.

The bauble diagram looks like this (if you imagine that the disk is a dial):

• 2 threads at 12 o'clock and 2 threads at 6 o'clock in the same color,
• 2 threads at 9 o'clock and 2 threads at 3 o'clock in the same color,
• 2 threads at 2 o'clock and 2 threads at 8 o'clock in the same color,
• 2 threads at 11 o'clock and 2 threads at 5 o'clock in the same color.

Start weaving:

1. Move the right thread from above down to the right of the right outer thread.
2. Move the bottom left thread up to the left of the leftmost thread at the top.
3. Turn the disc counterclockwise and repeat the procedure with the next 4 threads.

Thus, the output is a cord with 4 colors winding in a circle.

Flower

The cord, decorated with flowers along its length, is made of 3 colors and 16 threads. First, you need to measure the required length of threads, tie them at the end into a knot and place the end into the hole of the disk inside.

For work, take 9 black threads - this is the main color, 6 red threads - these are flowers and 1 green thread. The arrangement of flowers should be according to the diagram in Figure 1. Start weaving using the round kumihimo technique.

Snake

The snake is also woven with 16 threads, 6 of which are white, 4 red and 4 blue. Measure the required length, approximately 5:1, leaving 10 cm for the ties.

Take a disk with 32 numbers marked on it (32 is the peak of the top, 16 is the peak of the bottom, 24 is the peak of the left side, 8 is the peak of the right side).

Arrange the threads in the following order:

• white threads for numbers 23, 24, 7, 8, 31, 32, 15, 16;
• red threads for numbers 28, 11, 21, 4;
• blue threads for the numbers 27, 10, 20, 3.

Start weaving using the round kumihimo technique, turning the disc counterclockwise.

Hearts

The hearts are made of 2 colors, 16 threads thick, 3 of which are pink, the rest are black. At the beginning of the work, you should measure 80 cm of threads, tie them into a knot at the very end and place them in the center of the kumihimo disk with the numbers shown from 1 to 32. The lace should be woven in a circle using the round or voluminous kumihimo technique.

The arrangement of thread colors should be as follows:

• 3 pink threads for numbers 23, 24, 27.
• 13 black threads on the numbers 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 28, 31, 32.

Diamonds

The bauble is 16 threads thick and includes only 2 colors, red and yellow. 4 colors are yellow, the rest are red.

Before you start weaving, you should accurately calculate the size of the threads that need to be measured.

To do this, measure the length of your wrist and multiply this figure by 5 times.

This length is the initial length of the threads that need to be tied into a loose knot at the very beginning, all together.

The disc slots should be marked with numbers or colors.

The arrangement of flowers should be fixed with the following numbers:

• yellow on numbers 12, 13, 31, 32;
• red on numbers 3, 4, 8, 9, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29.

Start weaving a voluminous strand, turning the disk counterclockwise after each movement of the opposite 2 threads.

How to make men's baubles

Drawings for male fennecs are usually selected in more dynamic colors, for example, geometric figures, fire, cool colors, squares, stripes, tartan.

If the jewelry is knitted from all the colors of the rainbow, then its owner belongs to the hippie movement. Some men's schemes from floss and kumihimo are given below.

You can also take other materials, such as leather, as a basis instead of floss; some craftsmen find use for old, non-working headphones, weaving them using the “Pigtail” technique, securing them with various accessories at the ends. Plain leather, plastic or thread baubles look elegant, especially in combination with gold or silver fittings.

Made from various materials baubles, the weaving of which was described in this article, are a cute and at the same time elegant gift. They are woven by children from simple materials and real craftsmen from nylon and acrylic, expensive threads, the cost of which reaches thousands of rubles.

Having mastered several of the provided weaving patterns from floss and kumihimo, you can learn to create more sophisticated handwork.

Article format: Natalie Podolskaya

Video about weaving baubles

Popular baubles - weaving patterns + photos:

Today, interest in handicrafts remains as strong as before, and access to numerous sources of information makes it possible to study the crafts of other peoples. Japanese kumihimo laces are liked by many needlewomen for their simplicity and ample opportunities for realizing creative potential. Experienced craftswomen have learned to create kumihimo patterns themselves, while beginners use ready-made ones.

A little theory

First you need to prepare tools and materials. Ancient samurai wove kumihimo using special round or square looms. Now there are simplified versions of them in the form of disks or squares with a hole in the center and notches along the edges. In this article we will figure out how to weave round laces. This is easier for beginner needlewomen.

In addition to the machine, to implement the kumihimo scheme you will need threads. For simple baubles, regular floss is also suitable. Of course, you can use thicker yarn or combine several varieties to achieve interesting effects.

Since the braiding coefficient of the laces is large, it is necessary to take fairly large cuts. To prevent the threads from getting tangled, you can use spools, bobbins from sewing machine or just roll them into a ball.

Weaving principle

Understanding kumihimo weaving patterns is not difficult if you know the basic principles of this needlework. For example, consider them with 8 threads, but real laces consist of at least 16.

We take a loom with 32 slots and insert 4 pairs of multi-colored yarn into it. The starting points on the diagram are indicated by dots. Then we lift the green left thread up and insert it into the left slot from the blue pair. We lower the right blue one down to the right of the green one.

After this, we turn the disk counterclockwise 90 degrees and continue weaving according to the same principle. The main thing here is not to confuse the direction of throwing the threads, otherwise the kumihimo pattern will not work, and the lace itself will not be uniform.

Simple scheme "Flowers"

This pattern consists of 16 threads. To work you will need 3 shades of green, purple and orange. How to read the diagram? Take a circle for weaving and mark on it the places where you need to insert a thread of the corresponding color. At the very top we attach dark green and light green. We retreat 2 slots clockwise and attach the light green and purple ones.

We continue to insert threads in accordance with the color scheme. When the workpiece is ready, and the free ends are threaded through the central hole and tied into a knot, you can begin weaving according to the principle described above. The main thing is to swap diametrically opposite threads and always turn the circle in the same direction (traditionally - counterclockwise).

More complex scheme

Larger machines produce much more interesting kumihimo baubles. The circuits for them are built according to the same principle, with only one difference - this time there will be more threads.

The version presented above consists of 24 elements. It makes it possible to create a rainbow snake on a black background.

To work you will need a machine with 48 slots. In all other respects, the weaving will be the same as the previously described options.

Space for creativity

As with any craft, don't be afraid to experiment. At the initial stages, you can simply change the colors in the schemes and create the same patterns, but in different variations.

Kumihimo laces can act both as an independent bauble decoration and as an addition to a more complex piece, which will add uniqueness and originality to it.

Kumihimo literally means "rope weaving" in Spanish. This technique originated in Japan back in the middle of the 6th century, when it was used to make strong and flexible ropes that were used to secure weapons on samurai belts and tie up kimonos. In those days they were woven from silk threads or leather strips. Modern needlewomen continue to expand the variety of kumihimo weaving patterns, because the ability to vary the number of threads, shapes and colors helps to create many fashion jewelry self made. For example, baubles, bracelets, belts, and also make interesting decorative elements, like curtain garters.

Kumihimo ropes are knitted from various threads, you can use silk and even floss folded in 6 layers, in general, any one you wish. The set can be made starting from the number of 4, 8 threads and then in geometric progression equal to 2. If you are interested in how to weave kumihimo, for beginners this article will tell you the initial basics of this ancient Japanese skill.

Tools for work

For this technique, special devices or entire machines are used; the most common and universal one is called marudai. It is a smooth wooden structure made of a circle with a hole in the middle on legs with a stand. A weight with the required number of threads is suspended inside it, the other ends of the threads, in turn, are wound on special spools and laid out from the middle. Further actions depend on the type of rope. On this machine you can weave round, square and flat ropes, different patterns. It is possible to make Marudai yourself from available materials, but it is necessary to observe the condition of smoothness so that the threads do not cling to anything.

Instead of a marudai machine, you can use a pocket device in the form of a circle made of dense material with a hole in the middle and notches along the circumference. The diameter of such a circle can be small up to 15 cm, the hole from 1 cm, but there should be 32 compartments for threads, located at the same distance from each other. On such a “loom” cords of up to 16 threads are woven. During the work, the threads are transferred along the notches in a circle, weaving a pattern. The work is painstaking, but not difficult.

Where to begin

To delve into the process itself, let's look at one example of weaving. Whatever color you choose, first you need to decide what scheme you will work with. Usually, if you learn the very principle of weaving, you can come up with patterns using different colors.

How does this happen on the mini version of the Marudai machine? First you need to mark where the start will be and place it on top. In the notches we fix a bundle of 16 threads, 2.5 times longer than the desired length of the finished cord. We place the beam node in the middle of the circle. At the start, we fasten 2 threads in adjacent notches, then alternate through 2 empty notches. Further steps are shown in the photo:

As you can see, everything is quite simple, but this is only one type of pattern; its pattern varies depending on the number and arrangement of colors on the circle itself.

There are special applications of the program where you just need to select the colors of the threads, and it shows what kind of pattern you will get. But with sufficient visual imagination, you can calculate everything yourself.

Clue. To create diagonal lines in a spiral, place threads of the same color parallel to each other.

The marudai machine is mastered by more “involved” craftsmen who are constantly passionate about this activity - weaving ropes. Creativity requires only careful distribution, monotonously repeating movements in a circle. As you work, it becomes clear how the threads fit on top of each other and how they will combine the desired pattern. Working on a universal machine does not complicate a person’s posture, and he can easily relax in this way, weaving thread by thread to his favorite music and movies.

The large machine is also convenient for viewing the resulting work. The hole in the top circle is spacious and allows you to weave both round and flat cords. An important role is played by weights on the threads, which pull the product back and allow the final product to be smooth and beautiful.

The fashion for baubles began in the era of hippies, who hung themselves with all kinds of decorations made from ribbons and ropes. They, in turn, adopted this tradition from the American Indians, who, by exchanging woven bracelets, confirmed their friendship. IN modern world There are a large number of types of similar baubles, which are woven using various technologies that came to us from different corners planets.

The history of kumihimo

Kumihimo is one of the oldest types of weaving that was invented in Japan. It appeared during the period of the spread of Buddhism in this country in the 550s. Literally translated, “kumihimo” means “to weave a lace” (or rope). They were made for special ceremonies and rituals. Subsequently, they were used for a belt in a kimono and for tying samurai weapons or any heavy objects.

The laces were made from thick and durable material. But later the masters began to think about how to weave kumihimo from thinner threads. For this purpose, a small round machine called marudai was developed. This greatly facilitated and accelerated the work of the craftsmen. Since it was difficult to weave flat kumihimo on such a device, they came up with another square-shaped loom - takadai.

Kumihimo machine

The designs of machine tools, invented in ancient Japan, are still popular. But since weaving kumihimo became a popular activity, a very simple device was invented. It is a small circle or square cut from solid material. It can be cardboard, plastic, polyurethane or foam. The cuts are evenly spaced around the circle. On a square machine there are 12 slots on one side, and the same number on the opposite side. 4 cuts each on the remaining two. Such machines are more primitive, but easy to use and transport.

First steps in weaving kumihimo

In order to understand how to weave kumihimo, you need to try it once. It's worth starting with a small number of threads. For example, you can take 4 threads, the length of which should be twice as long as necessary. Preferably in different colors to make learning easier.

These threads must be folded in half. Tie tightly in the middle with any strong rope. And we distribute such a bundle, in which there are 8 threads, throughout the machine. This is done as follows. You can mark the numbers on the machine, like on a watch dial. We thread the tail of the future kumihimo lace (the place where the threads are tied) into the central hole of the machine. Next, two threads of the same color must be threaded into the hole at 12 o'clock, following to where the number 6 is located on the dial. The remaining two sets should be distributed by tone at 3 and 9 o'clock on the machine.

Weaving

Weaving should begin with threads that are located at the 12 o'clock position. Take the top right one and lower it to the opposite side in the direction of the arrows. It is placed in the cell adjacent to the right thread, which is located at the 6 o'clock position. We also raise the left thread from the bottom pair along the dial to the lonely thread at 12 o’clock and thread it into the adjacent right cell.

Next, scroll the dial so that the pair at 3 o’clock becomes the top. We do the same with these threads and those lying opposite. And so on, each time turning the machine a quarter turn, we work with each pair in turn. The main thing is to remember that the upper thread must be taken on the right, and the lower thread on the left. You can weave in reverse side and turn the machine counterclockwise, you get the same rope. The main attention should be paid to how to weave kumihimo correctly and in which direction the work was started, especially if the process was interrupted.

This is how weaving occurs. The finished rope will come out of the hole into which the tail of the product was threaded at the beginning of the work. When the required length is ready, the threads are removed from the loom and tied. The excess must be cut off with scissors. Learning how to weave a kumihimo bauble is a simple task, but it requires a little attention and perseverance.

Weaving a flat kumihimo cord

A square machine is designed for flat cord. For beginners, it is better to start weaving with a small number of threads. For example, you can take 8 threads yellow color, 7 - green, and 2 - blue. Tie a bunch of threads. Thread the tail into the central hole. A large number of threads are inserted into the slots of the machine. On one side - yellow, on the other - green, where there are most holes. They must be positioned in such a way that on one side of the machine there is a free cell on the right or left edge. Two threads blue tone one at a time are distributed on two free sides.

near the yellow one, it must be moved to the vacant seat in the opposite row. And so one by one, changing places, the green ones move to the place of the yellow ones and vice versa. After this, the blue threads, which are also located on opposite sides, are swapped. And the change in the arrangement of large rows of threads begins again. You need to start from the corner of the machine that has a free cell on the opposite side.

For professionals and those who know how to weave kumihimo, the patterns are much more complex, and large quantity flowers is involved in production. For beginners, it is important to learn the basics, and the rest will come with experience.

Products

Basically, such products are worn as bracelets. Often they are hung with decorations in the form of various figures or letters. Many people use such cords for bag handles.

You can also weave kumihimo with threads on which beads are attached. In this case, you can make both bracelets and neck jewelry. They look especially beautiful when made entirely of beaded threads.