Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Braiding

Not having come across this art myself, I asked a local craft group (I’m based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands) to review this book, some of whom were able to compare it to the original 1997 publication.

The group found the introduction to Japanese braiding provided a clear, easily understood guide to all aspects of equipment, threads and techniques used to produce a range of both round and flat braids. The illustrations, diagrams and photography were clean, clear and easily followed, as were the written explanations. The book also provided step-by-step instructions that allow users to produce a variety of braids with a variety of uses: it brings the ancient craft of Kumihimo within the reach of all those with an interest in learning and developing the techniques in a simple way.

Members of the group particularly liked it that each type of braid had a different page background colour and found that the warp circle diagrams were clearer set against a coloured background. Close up photographs of working the braids were good and you could clearly see where the threads were placed. Overall the book looked inviting and the layout generally was streamlined and modern.”

Having borrowed some equipment, I tried making a braid myself and found it very satisfying to see the work growing under the circle and the beautiful braid it produced.

-- Brenda Smith * Knitting & Crochet Guild - SlipKnot June 2020 *

Not having come across this art myself, I asked a local craft group to review this book.

The group found the to Japanese braiding provided a clear, easily understood guide to all aspects of equipment, threads, and techniques used to produce a range of both round and flat braids. The illustrations, diagrams and photography were clean, clear and easily followed, as were the written explanations. The book also provided step-by-step instructions that allow users to produce a variety of uses: it brings the ancient craft of Kumihimo within the reach of all those with an interest in learning and developing the techniques in a simple way.

Members of the group particularly liked that each type of braid had a different page background colour and found that the warp circle diagrams were slearer set against a coloured background. Close-up photographs of working the braids were good and you could clearly see where the threads were placed.

Overall the book looked inviting and the layout was streamlined and modern.

Having borrowed some equipment I tried making a braid myself and found it very satisfying to see the work growing under the circle and the beautiful braid it produced.

-- Brenda Smith * Slipknot *

Originally published back in 1997 (and titled Beginner’s Guide to Braiding – The Craft of Kumihimo) this is the definitive book on the subject, at least in the UK. I still have my much used copy which introduced me to the wonderful world of “narrow wares” that can be made on a traditional marudai.

Fast-forward to 2020 and many people do this craft on handheld disk marudai, but this book deals with the type that sits on the floor and (in my opinion at least) is a lot easier to master. The book opens with what you need to begin, showing photographs of the wooden type, the acrylic version that I use and even a homemade marudai constructed from a lampshade frame and card disk.  You will also require bobbins, weights and a few other items which can all be purchased from the website below. Learn how to wind the bobbins, set up the marudai and get started on your first braid with the aid of plenty of captioned photographs.

This book is aimed at the beginner and is pretty foolproof; I followed the instructions and was making professional-looking braids on my first day. Make round, square and flat braids, add simple tassels and work in other types of yarn.  Note that this book only deals with making the braids, with two pages at the back showing what can be done with them. Finishing them off and using them for tiebacks, jewellery, embroidery etc are dealt with in other books or by having a go. It is not difficult to learn how to make braids using a traditional marudai and this book has the clearest, most user friendly instructions I have seen. Highly recommended.

If you cannot find a good range of materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.

Marudais, bobbins, threads etc available from the author’s website https://www.careycompany.com/

-- Rachel A Hyde * Amazon *

Japanese braid-making is admired for its use and beauty. This essential guide shows us different braids, which can be used to create countless combinations of colour, texture and material. 

There are clear step-by-step photos and many inspirational examples of this soothing, absorbing and pleasing craft.

* Machine Knitting Monthly *

The kumihimo techniques in this book are made using a beautiful marudai stand, and lovers of kumihimo will find the story of them quite fascinating.

I do not have a marudai stand, but I did make a braid project using a more modern plate.

This is a brilliant book for beginners, as it guides you through the steps in an easy to understand step by step technique. The projects are simple but stunning, and include bracelets, necklaces and ties.

Each project can be adapted in size, and I loved the rich tonal colours that were used for each piece.

Beads, ribbons and cords are perfect for these designs, but finer threads can be used to make smaller items.

The instructions are accompanied by superb photography, demonstrating each step

-- Tracy Shephard * Amaz