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  6. How to Use the Kumihimo Plate to Create Flat Braids

How to Use the Kumihimo Plate to Create Flat Braids

Flat braided cord

The 3 to 1 Ratio--Determine the desired finished length of your braid then triple that amount.

Example: If you want a 20-inch necklace, each cord must be 60 inches long.


Finished braid sizes are approximate and will vary depending on the tension used when braiding. For best results, maintain a steady tension on the cords as you move around the wheel.

Instructions


Step 1
Four strands of cord

Using two colors, cut 4 strands of cord--2 strands of each color. Then fold in half. Cut another strand approximately 4 inches in length.

Step 2
Middle of cord knotted

Tie the 4-inch long strand around the folded ends to secure them together.

Step 3
Cord end inserted into Kumihimo plate

Insert the folded cord ends into the center of the plate.

Step 4
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Plate Set-Up

Placement of strands on plate directly affects the pattern of the finished braid.


Strand Placement

Hold the folded cord end firmly in place on the underside of the plate while setting up the face of the plate. Make sure the cords are tight in their slots. A weight on a clip can be added to the tail to help maintain tension as you braid.


First color is Top 4, 5, 8 and 9. Second color is Bottom 5,6,7 and 8.


Begin Braiding


Step 5
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Bottom 6 to Top 6.

Step 6
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Bottom 7 to Top 7.

Step 7
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Top 5 to Bottom 6.

Step 8
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Top 8 to Bottom 7.

Step 9
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Bottom 5 to Top 5.

Step 10
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Bottom 8 to Top 8.

Step 11
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Reset Bottom 6 to Bottom 5.

Step 12
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Reset Bottom 7 to Bottom 8.

Step 13
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Top 4 to Bottom 7.

Step 14
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Top 9 to Bottom 6.

Step 15
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Reset Top 5 to Top 4.

Step 16
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Reset Top 6 to Top 5.

Step 17
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Reset Top 8 to Top 9.

Step 18
Top-down view of Kumihimo plate with cord

Reset Top 7 to Top 8.


All cords should now be in original position from Step 4.


Repeat Steps 5 - 18 until braid reaches desired length.


Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.

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