Labeling Kumihimo Card for Easier Learning

Using Kumihimo card for the first time is a little bit confusing , so by labeling it using small numbers , it will be more easy to use for beginners.

Step 1: Why Labeling Kumihimo Card

Using Kumihimo card for the first time is a little bit confusing , so by labeling it using small numbers , it will be more easy to use the kumihimo card.

In here we will re-number the card, and find an easy way to move the strings to make a small bracelet.

This instructable is for teachers to re-number the card before giving it to students.

- By re-numbering you can stop any time and continue, by just knowing which alphabet was on the top.

- The direction of moving the card in easy by following the alphabet added to the card from A to D.

- The direction of moving the cords are easy by following the numbers on the card from 1 to 7.

- This way the user can easily move the card and the cord without thinking of clock wise or counter clock wise while working.

Step 2: Steps for Re-numbering the Card

The starting points at numbers (32 , 24 ,16 ,8) will be labeled as follows 32 –A , 24 – B , 16 – C , 8 – D.

The alphabet order will lead the user to rotate the disk into the right direction, without thinking of the numbers, as the rotation direction will start from A to D.

Step 3:

Start numbering the points between the starting points (A,B,C,D) from 1 to 7 , counter clock wise.

Step 4:

Divide the card into four quarters , labeled like the starting points (A,B,C,D).
Now, the card is ready to start teaching the Kumihimo card in an easy way.

Step 5: Teaching Step-by-Step Instructions

Each student should know that the Kumihimo card is divided into four clusters, each one is numbered from 1 to 7, the starting point is not numbered.

Now, Setting Up The Disk

Gather eight strands and tie a knot at one end. If you are using extra long lengths we advise using bobbins to keep your strands from tangling.

Drop the knotted end into the center hole on the Kumihimo disk.

Step 6:

Separate the strands out into four groups with two strands each and lay them over the disk at the starting positioning dots (A, B, C, D). When setting up the disk, the number A should be at the top.

Starting with A, place one strand on each side of the dot. Gently pull the strands into the slits.

Once all the cords are in place your disk should look like this.

Note that the knot is still centered.

Step 7: Starting the Braid

- You may want to keep some weight under the knot in the center of the disk, especially at the beginning of the braid to keep a tight uniform look to the braid as you progress.

- You can do this by hand, holding the knot end and gently pulling down as you go along, but it may be easier to tie a small bag with twenty-five pennies in it to the knot. This frees up both hands for braiding.

- Start by moving the cord in C up and directly across the disk to slit 1 –A ( in the A quarter).

- Move cord A directly across the disk to slit (1-C) in the C quarter.

- Remember to keep the same amount of tension throughout the braid so you produce an even braid with no bumps.

Now, the two cords moved from the starting positions into the nearest directions towards 1A and 1C.

Step 8: Turn the Kumihimo

disk clockwise 1/4 turn. The starting positioning dot at B should now be located at the top.

Step 9: Rotate Cords

Now, the cords at B and D will be rotated to position 1B and 1D.

After first round all cords will surround number 1 , after second round all cords will surround number 2 , and so on.

This way you can know which cord is in turn if you leave the card anytime.

Step 10:

- Turn the disk clockwise 1/4 turn to the next set of cords. As you can see, you are basically repeating the last three steps (up and left, down and right).

- After a few times around the disk the numbers got increase until going to the starting position again.

- Continue the steps until you have reached the desired length. The length will be determined by the design and the method in which you plan on finishing the ends.

- Remove the braid from the disk and tie a knot on the unfinished end. Use a suitable way to finish the ends.