Flexible Kongoh gumi braids (beta)

You should be seeing the kumihimo braid design tool here.

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About the braid

This tool allows you to choose the number of threads in a group (from 2 to 16) and the number of groups (from 4 to 32), with a maximum of 64 threads total. This gives you more flexibility to make a design area of your choice.

Some of the larger group sizes will give an apparent change to thread positions as the number of threads push them out of line. I have tried to make the designer reflect my experience with that, although it is possible there will be some variation with the type of thread used and the individual braider. Also, different thread counts will change the stitch shape. When you make your braid, try a test length first.

We have labelled this as a beta tool – there are so many different combinations possible, we have not tested every one. Feedback on your experience using this tool will be very useful.

Although this tool allows you to have more than 32 threads, I have never made such a big braid on a normal kumihimo disk. If you make your own disk (look at our templates for up to 96 slots) or use a marudai, you have more options.

How to use the designer

Use the colour picker to choose your thread colour. If you use it on the braid, it will be added to your colour list so you can easily choose it again. Click on the thread you want to colour in the braid diagram.

Some braids allow you to change the number of threads. If available, you can use the "+" and "-" buttons to change the number of threads - active internet connection required.

How to make the braid

To make your braid, set up the threads as shown. Regardless of the number of threads in each group, you always move the right-hand thread from the top to the right ride of the bottom group and the left-hand thread from the bottom to the left side of the top group. Turn the disk anti-clockwise so the next group is at the top and repeat until your braid is finished. There is more information on how to make this type of braid on our Kongoh gumi information page.

Examples of this braid can be found in:
  • Creative Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey (braid 8B) 8 threads
  • Creative Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey (braid 16B) 16 threads
  • Braids: 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond by Rodrick Owen (braid 45) 16 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 10, Yatsu-kongoh) 8 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 28, 12-Kongoh) 12 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 62, 16-Kongoh) 16 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 88, Kongoh-gumi) 24 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 90, Uneri-kongoh-Z) 24 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 113, Hana-kongoh-Z) 36 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 6 - disk and plate) by Makiko Tada (Yatsu-Kongoh-gumi(Z)) 8 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 6 - disk and plate) by Makiko Tada (12-Kongoh-gumi(Z)) 12 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 6 - disk and plate) by Makiko Tada (16-Kongoh-gumi(Z)) 16 threads
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