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Beads!!!!! => Kumihimo, Cord Making, Braiding, Macrame => Topic started by: LithicStrings on August 21, 2014, 04:59:33 PM

Title: Kumihimo Braiding with Beads
Post by: LithicStrings on August 21, 2014, 04:59:33 PM
This braid is a repeat of my first attempt to braid a strand of beads into the kumihimo pattern.  The first attempt worked fine, but I wore it out so made a new one.  The first time I used flexible wire for the beads, but it tended to pull, so this time I used the same silk cord as the main braid,  For this new one I wasn't so compulsive about making sure each bead was evenly spaced along the braid.  If I wanted to be traditional, I would be careful that as the bead was incorporated into the pattern, it wasn't allowed to pop over the cord but kept in its place (very orderly).
The technique involves threading a sufficient length of beads on one of the strands. I adjusted the bobbin weight slightly to make up for the weight of the beads.  For this braid I used small garnet beads that I purchased.   I opposed that with a maroon colored strand so it would somewhat match.  As you braid, you slide one bead into place within the braid.  Then you continue with the pattern. On each repeat of the pattern, when the bobbin loaded with braids gets it turn again, another bead is slid down into the braid (see first picture).  The second picture shows the braid across the face of the marudai.  The last picture is the finished braid holding an elegant snakeskin agate pendant also by lithicbeads.
Title: Re: Kumihimo Braiding with Beads
Post by: Minkos61 on August 21, 2014, 05:20:45 PM
Very nice Mrs Frank . Looks really cool.
Title: Re: Kumihimo Braiding with Beads
Post by: Enchantra on August 21, 2014, 08:41:24 PM
Beautiful cord!  I like how you demonstrated how it is done.  It's always a joy to see someone keeping an old art form alive.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Kumihimo Braiding with Beads
Post by: MrsWTownsend on October 18, 2014, 07:38:42 PM
I like the texture and potential this concept introduces.  :)  Thanks for sharing this!
Title: Re: Kumihimo Braiding with Beads
Post by: wampidy on October 19, 2014, 05:09:48 AM
Don't know how I missed this but better late than never. This is bad azz braiding. I thought Frank was the artist of the family. My bad.
Jim