Japanese Braiding: The Craft of Kumihimo

May 09

First published as Beginner's Guide to Braiding - The Craft of Kumihimo back in 1997, here is a brand new reprint with a user-friendly spiral spine so the book opens flat. We in the west are used to buying our braids, but with a little effort and a few items you can make your own, unique ones. Of course you need a marudai first and foremost, and there is a helpful illustration for you to show to a carpenter, or the author sells them herself (where mine came from!) There is a comforting picture too of a simple homemade one so you can find out how you feel about kumihimo before committing yourself which is a nice touch. I've had the original book since it first came out and can testify that it did not take me long to make my first braid; at the end of the same afternoon I held it in my hands and indeed still have it. There are lots of really simple diagrams to get you started, as well as plenty of very clear photographs showing the process. Here too are lots of lovely braids in a variety of color combinations and instructions to make every single one. At the back there is not a gallery, just two pages showing a few applications of the braids. This is a highly practical, user-friendly guide to a little-known craft that anybody who wants to make braids is going to find indispensable.

Winter 09

As I have had little previous knowledge of braiding, I reviewed this book as a complete novice. The book dictates that it is designed for the beginner and I felt that it fulfilled this criteria. The clear step by step photographs were easy to follow and descriptions of equipment needed was straightforward, with homemade variations available for those who may wish to experiment without the necessity of buying traditional equipment. The only complicated part appeared to be getting your head around the various balances and weights but once that had been mastered the projects could be attempted without much difficulty.

Jacqui Carey completed her B.A. Honours Degree at the West Surrey College of Art and Design in 1985. Since then she has specialised in Kumihimo, drawn to the subject through her love of Art and Maths. Based in Devon with her family, Jacqui divides her work time between making, teaching, writing, researching and demonstrating.