Mitake-style braids

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About the braid

The Mitake braids in Comprehensive Treatise vol 1 all have thread counts that are multiples of 8 and all groups of the same size. I have extended this by allowing the side groups to have a different thread count to the top and bottom groups, but the groups always have an even number of threads.

I have found that making all the groups approximately the same size gives a more even braid. Larger groups at the top and bottom make the central stitches larger and the whole braid much looser. Larger groups at the sides give an “H” shape to the braid cross-section as the edge stitches bulge out.

The slope and “rectangularness” of the stitches varies with the thread number. A general rule is squarer stitches with fewer threads. The designer does not change the stitch shape with the thread count, so it is worth making a test braid to check the proportions.

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. Marudai sequences are given for the braids. Disk instructions are given for up to 28 threads.

Although I have made this on a disk, it is slow going with more than 16 threads. All the threads come from the centre of a group to the outside of another, so lots of threads need to be adjusted every time. I would not recommend it.

Examples of this braid can be found in:
  • Creative Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey (braid 16U (different move sequence, so starting positions are different)) 16 threads
  • Creative Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey (braid 8K (different move sequence, so starting positions are different)) 8 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 21, Kara-yatsu (different move sequence, so starting positions are different)) 8 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 86, Mitake-gumi I) 24 threads
  • Comprehensive Treatise of Braids (vol 1 - marudai) by Makiko Tada (braid 87, Mitake-gumi II) 32 threads
  • Braids: 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond by Rodrick Owen (braid 14 (different move sequence, so starting positions are different)) 8 threads
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Comments will be strictly moderated. Only comments about making this braid will be approved.

3 thoughts on “Mitake-style braids

  1. We haven’t made any videos for this braid. I wouldn’t make a mitake braid on a disk with more than about 16 threads (even though I have suggested instructions for more!) – there is too much extra thread movement needed to make room to put threads in, and I haven’t the patience!

  2. Where are the disk instructions for this braid? I’m having some trouble navigating this site, though I have used it with success in the past!

    • Hi Allie, the disk instructions are only available for braids with 28 threads or less. The default pattern has 32, so it is impractical to make it on a 32 slot disk. Once you look at the disk instructions for smaller braids, you should be able to apply the moves to more threads if you have a custom disk.

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