Kumihimo

Last night I attended a terrific presentation on kumihimo and related techniques by Carol Franklin. Ms. Franklin presented the evening’s program for the Gainesville Handweavers Guild. Carol was originally a weaver and has explored a variety of kumihimo techiques.

Kumihimo is a Japanese braiding technique. Kumihimo is an integral and ancient part of Japanese culture. For instance, kumihimo ties secure the obi or sash of the kimono. Ms. Franklin’s specialty is Taka Dai – a complex braiding approach.

I’m interested in integrating kumihimo into my woven fiber pieces. I’ve been experimenting with a small disk, but I’m looking forward to getting my weaving stand or Maru Dai and learning kumihimo in earnest.