Twist, Turn & Tie

Spring/Summer 2014 The traditional Japanese art of braiding is done using an elegant loom called a Marudai, using groups of silk threads, weights and bobbins, which can be quite daunting and expensive for someone wishing to learn about the craft. The braids were originally used to decorate and re-enforce the armour of Samurai warriors. However, a few years ago an enterprising Japanese braider took advantage of the modern materials now available and devised a simple foam disc with numbered notches around the edge which ca accomplish the same braiding patterns much more comfortably and easily and called it the Mobidai (a combination of the words mobile and Marudai). Needless to say the Mobidai, more commonly know in Western countries as a Kumihimo disc, is portable, not expensive, and a pleasure to use. It has taken the Beading world by storm as it is only on step further to add bead and pendants to the cords and make jewellery....beaders have taken over from the Samurai warriors! Many Kumihimo books on braiding with a disc are based on the basic braid using eight threads (called a Round 8 braid), and all designs are variations of this one basic theme. Not this book! Many other types of braids are covered, using twelve threads (a Round 12 braid), sixteen threads (Round 16 braid) even a Round 4 braid. There are flat braids, Spiral Flat braids, twisted spiral braids using different thickness' of threads, Square braids, Hollow braids, braids and knots combined... and these are only the braids made on a round disc! Next we have the flat braids made on the square plate with eight positions and twelve positions, and a very original zig-zag braid. The coloured patterns on the braids are achieved by changing around the coloured threads before starting to braid. Beads are threaded on before braiding. Everything in the book is clearly explained, it is very easy to follow and well illustrated, the projects are well thought out and described and vary in skill level, beginners and more experienced will all find something to inspire them. The book gives details on kumihimo terminology (kumihimo means gathered threads ), how to start and finish braids, how to calculate thread lengths before starting and the number of beads needed for each project. There is so much information in this book that it is quite unnecessary to look elsewhere in another book for more information. Each project clearly indicates the skill level required, the final length of the necklace and what you will need to make it, the techniques used, hot to prepare the disc and a very useful box entitled How to be a better braider with tips on possible more advanced variations and techniques. I have only experienced one difficulty with the book and that is obtaining the supplied Beth recommends. She is very fond of threads with the amusing name of imposter kumihimo threads which are not yet available in the UK. However there are so many types of thread cords and ribbons that can be used for kumihimo that this does not present a serious problem. If I tried to list all of the information in this book this review would be far too long! Beth is clearly an excellent teacher who knows her subject thoroughly and has experience of both traditional kumihimo and modern disc kumihimo. The book has all the information needed and the projects are beautiful and inspiring. If yo only want one book on this craft, then this would be the one! A lovely book and thoroughly recommended!!! * The Bead Society of Great Britian * Mar 14 Kumihimo is a great way of making braids of all kinds, from bases for beautiful jewellery to decorating garments. Previously this was all done on an item called a marudai, but now it can be done in the hand using a simple disk. One of these disks is stored in a handy pocket on the back cover, but you can buy plastic ones too. This book is a great introduction to the craft, and tells you what to buy, how to get started and useful things such as calculating how much thread to buy. Most of the book is taken up with patterns, and these are all made up into jewellery. You can first learn how to begin, and then off you go with fifty lovely pieces. Choose from necklaces of various lengths to bracelets, a bag pull and a bookmark. Each pattern features a page-sized photo of the finished item, while opposite there are instructions, a diagram of how the threads look on the disk when starting, materials and useful tips. These include Be A Better Braider and references to where you can find out how to finish off and the type of braid used. Most use a round disk like the one supplied, others use a square type. The author is Australian and uses materials found there; those living in other countries must source their own which will not be the same. This aside, I found this to be a good straightforward guide to the most modern way of an ancient technique with some beautiful pieces to make and wear. * Myshelf.com * Feb 14 This is a beautiful beginner's guide to making braids & beutiful cord jewellery. The book includes a kumihimo disc so you'll have what you need to get started. Everything is explained for you and you are taken step-by-step through each project. Each project details what you'll need, what skill level the project is graded. It also shows you which part of the Kumihimo disc you will be using. The books contains fantastically clear pictures to help you with the instructions. I prefer following pictures and found them really easy to understand. All of the basic techniques are covered including how to start and finish projects. Each of the projects takes you through a journey learning new braiding techniques. As your confidence builds you move onto the next project and the next technique. There are many amazing effects and beautiful styles of jewellery. There are so many I would love to make. The mix of projects is fantastic and have a shop bought look to them. They are just so classy and perfect. I love the fact that you receive the Kumihimo Disc with the book. It means that all you need to order is the thread and beads. I just can't decide which is my favorite. If you want to learn Kumihimo then this is a fantastic place to start. You'll be designing your own in no time. http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2014/02/twist-turn-tie-50-japanese-braids-book.html * Crochet Addict UK *