Twist, Turn & Tie: 50 Japanese Braids

Beth Kemp’s background is in the premium jewellery industry. Ten years ago, her love of textiles and beading led her to kumihimo. She is passionate about this art form and loves sharing her knowledge with braiders worldwide, through her online store, “Braid & Bead Studio” and her Facebook pages dedicated to kumihimo. Beth regularly teaches both the plate and marudai at various venues around Brisbane, Australia.

• Prelims (5 pp) Introduction (2 pp) Discover how to create beautiful jewellery and accessories with kumihimo, by combining different techniques with threads and beads. This introduction features an overview of why the author loves kumihimo, the history, and how it’s evolved into making the beautiful fashion accessories of today.Chapter One/ Materials, Tools, Equipment (6 pp) A detailed section about the essential materials and equipment used to create kumihimo, with pictures and information about each.Disks• Sample disk included with this book: Round pressed foam diskSquare pressed foam disk• Threads• Beads• End caps• EZ bobs and bobbins• Beading needles and beading thread• Other beading materials that have been used in this book• Glues• General beading and sewing tools —pliers, scissors, tape measure, and so on.Chapter Two/ Before you Begin (6 pp) Figuring thread and bead quantities to use• Classic lengths for necklaces and bracelets• Threads—calculating thickness and length• Beads—calculating the number of beads to useBeads and FindingsInformation on various types of beads and findings:• Different types of beads• Strings of beads• End caps and claspsDesigning braids• Basic instructions for simple designing even the beginner can use.• Different setups for different results• Changing the textures of threads• Mixing the textures• Recording your own braidsChapter Three/ Core techniques (10 pp) Basic TechniquesDetailed instructions from the basic braid worked on the disk supplied to handling threads and beads.• Using the disk supplied• Using the kumihimo disk (round disk)• Setting up the disk• Preparing the threads• Using traditional kumihimo silk• Basic round 8 braid• Other braids• Using the kumihimo plate (square disk)• Beaded braids: preparing the threads and releasing the beadsStarting and FinishingA section devoted to various ways to start and finish kumihimo braids from the basic overhand knot to the more complex loop and knot.• Starting and finishing with an overhand knot• Finishing with end caps• Finishing with a connector bead• Starting with a plaited loop• Finishing with a tassel• Finishing with a knotTerminologyDetails of terms used when making kumihimo braids.• Warp, point of braiding• Leader thread, whipping, and so on.Chapter Four/ Projects (92 pp) A collection of projects and designs from the simple beginner's braid worked on the disk supplied, through to more complex beaded braids. This section is broken up into plain braids, beaded braids, braids using the kumihimo plate (square disk), and fashioning fancy knots.Plain braids on the Kumihimo round disk:A selection of patterns from beginner to the more advanced braider.• “My first kumihimo braid” on the disk supplied Round braids:Round 8—threads in 8 positions Round 12-—threads in 12 positions Round 16—threads in 16 positions Round 4—threads in 4 positionsChanging the colour setup for different patternsFlat braids:Flat 8—threads in 8 positionsFlat 12—threads in 12 positionsOther flat braids• Making very fine braids:3 mm braid for a special pendant with knot and loop closure• Square braids (bangle)• Spiral braids• Hollow braidsBeaded braids on the Kumihimo round disk• Beaded round braids: Seed beads on some threads Seed Beads on all threadsMagatama beads on all threads (blue moon) Mixtures of seed beadsPearls and other gems Free-form beaded braids Beaded Flat BraidsTying braids into Decorative Knots:Detailed diagrams for tying decorative knots with Kumihimo braidsFlat braids on the Kumihimo square disk:This section will include both plain and beaded• Flat 8—threads in 8 positions• Flat 10—threads in 10 positions• Flat 12—threads in 12 positions• Zigzag and other unusual braidsTemplates for Making your own disk (4 pp) • For making the one supplied• Octagonal with 16 positions• Round with 32 positions• Square with 16 positions• Square with 32 positionsIndex, Glossary, and Credits (2 pp)

Kumihimo is a new craft for me and I must admit it did take me a few tries to get the hang of it.It is a craft I love and the effects of the simple task of braiding is amazing and the therapeutic mindfulness gives much needed quiet time.This is a wonderful project book. It is full of beautiful jewellery pieces, and even though they look like they are difficult to do, believe me this is one of the easiest crafts to do that gives a professional and brilliant result almost immediately.The book comes with a Kumihimo disc and also a template. This means you can make one for your family and friends and enjoy as a group activity.The instructions are simple and with lots of information of what you need it is a book that is well worth getting if you love making jewellery. I do recommend that you get the bobbins, and a weight. This will help with your final result.