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Kumihimo Supplies for Beginners

Kumihimo Supplies for Beginners

Kumihimoby Create Whimsy

Kumihimo, an old Japanese braiding technique, looks complicated, but the process is really very easy to learn. Newbies to the craft will have greater success with the right kumihimo supplies for beginners, so we’ve assembled our Beginning Kumi Top Ten. These are the items we like to have on hand to make braiding easier. To find out how easy it is, check out How To Do Kumihimo.

Kumihimo Supplies for Beginners

Just getting started with Kumihimo? Here are basic supplies you'll need to get started.

The Beadsmith Round Kumihimo Disk, 6 inch Diameter, 3/8" Dense Foam, Jewelry Tools for Braiding, 1 disk

Beadsmith Round Kumihimo Disk

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.

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Beadsmith S-Lon #18 Cord, Multipack with 12 Spools (Saturation Mix), Ideal for Stringing Beading Crochet and Micro-Macrame Jewelry

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.

Big Eye Needles Beading (Set Of 4) - Easiest Needle To Thread

Big-Eye Beading Needles

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.

INSPIRELLE 10 Colors 1.8mm Satin Cord 100% Nylon Rattail Silk Cord Chinese Knot Thread for Jewelry Making (10 Yards Each Color, Dark Colors)

Satin “Rattail” Cord

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”.

The Beadsmith Kumi Lite Weight, 45gm (1.6oz), with alligator clip, Use when creating kumihimo braids, for consistent tension when braiding

Beadsmith Kumi Lite Weight

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.

The Beadsmith Bob-EEZ Weighted No Tangle Thread Bobbins, 1.875 inches, Bag of 8 Pieces, Allows for Even Tension When Doing kumihimo and macramé Crafts

Beadsmith Weighted No Tangle Bobbins

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.

Cord End Cap for Jewelry Making, Kumihimo End Cap Finding Kit for Leather, Tassels; Antique Brass 5mm to 9mm 100 PCs by Mandala Crafts

Cord End Caps

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.

SUNNYCLUE 1 Box 32 Sets 4 Color Magnetic Clasps Leather Cord End Cap 4.8mm 6mm 8mm Kumihimo End Cap for Jewelry Necklace Bracelet Making Supplies Crafts

Magnetic Clasp Cord End Caps

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

G-S Hypo Cement

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.

E6000 Jewelry And Bead Adhesive With 4 Precision Applicator Tips For Jewelry! (Original Version)

E6000 Jewelry and Bead Adhesive

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.


Browse through more Kumihimo projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.

Learn how to Kumihimo


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