Kumihimo Supplies for Beginners

The mainstay of any Kumihimo practice is the braiding disk, and this foam disk from Beadsmith is sturdy and lightweight. It lasts and lasts through many projects - haven’t worn one out yet! Clear markings make it easy to get started and follow braid pattern instructions. This disk makes Kumihimo portable - you can take your project anywhere.

Beadsmith S-Lon #18 Cord

S-Lon is the most popular cord for Kumihimo because of its ease of use, strength and huge array of available colors. It makes a beautiful braid on its own, but you can also use it for beaded Kumihimo. Size 8/0 and size 6/0 seed beads have holes just the right size, as well as some shaped beads that add fun texture to a braid. You can also use this S-Lon cord for bead crochet and micro-macramé.

If you are adding beads to your Kumihimo, Big Eye Needles make fast work of stringing. The eye runs the entire length of the needle, so it’s easy to thread the end of your cord, then load the needle with beads and slide them onto the cord. This is much faster than threading the beads one at a time.

With its funny name, rattail cord is really quite beautiful! Made of satin, either polyester or silk, this cord is 1.8mm thick and comes in a seemingly endless array of colors, even hand-dyed variations. It stands on its own without embellishment, but don’t be surprised to see large-hole beads included in rattail Kumihimo. For something a little more delicate, there is a smaller version called “mouse tail”.

It’s much easier to keep even tension in your Kumihimo weave with a small weight attached to the beginning of your braid. The alligator clip attaches and detaches easily, and the weight is just enough to steady your work without adding so much weight to tire hands and shoulders.

Along with the Kumi Lite Weight, weighted bobbins equalize tension and prevent loose thread ends from tangling. They are really easy to use. You simply wrap your cord around the center and snap the flexible plastic cover closed. The cover holds the cord and keeps it from slipping out of control. It’s easy to pull out more cord when you need it. The bobbins will work with beaded strands, too.

For an attractive finish to the ends of your Kumihimo, cord end caps are a great option. These caps are ready to attach with glue. Finished with closed rings, they are ready for you to attach clasps, tassels, charms or other embellishments.

For a quick and easy-to-use finish for a bracelet or necklace, a glue-in magnetic clasp might be just what you need. With an end cap and clasp all in one, you finish your project one step sooner! Most magnetic clasps have a sleek, modern vibe that’s easy to wear with a variety of looks.

G-S Hypo Cement is a precision adhesive with a strong hold. The applicator makes it easy to target small areas of your work. Fibers absorb this glue, so it does not leave extra bulk when it dries. So it is perfect for securing the knots of your finishing thread wraps - it won’t get in the way of your end caps when it dries.

This is some strong glue! That’s why E6000 is a go-to adhesive for projects that require a permanent hold. Jewelry components attached with E6000 stay put. A word of caution: be sure to allow your piece to sit undisturbed for 24 hours before using. E6000 needs a number of hours to cure and achieve a full strength hold.