How To Make Beaded Kumihimo Braids

Step 1: Thread a big-eye needle with your cord. Remember the general rule: it is always best to cut a length of cord that is three times the desired length of your necklace or bracelet. For a 7″ bracelet, you should cut about 21″ of cord. You can always add more beads but not more cord!

Step 2: String the number of beads your finished piece will require. Add 6 beads per inch to each strand, so you will need 42 beads on each strand to make a 7″ bracelet.
It is a good idea to make the last bead you string onto your cord a stop bead. This will prevent all your beads from slipping off the end of the cord.

Step 3: Wind each cord end around a bobbin to prevent the strands from becoming tangled.

Now the prep work is complete and you can begin braiding. Make a braid about half-inch long without beads (this makes adding your clasp easier when you are done) and then begin to introduce the beads one at a time. You can follow the video “Kumihimo Braiding with Beads by Beadsmith” on Youtube to see how this technique is completed:

The necklace shown below is a made of Beaded Kumihimo with Spiral Peyote as the focal point. It was created by a friend as a showpiece for Girlfriend Expo 2013.

Beaded Kumihimo necklace with Spiral Peyote Stitch