Over its long history, Kumihimo braided cord has been used in a wide range of settings, with different braiding techniques to suit different purposes. Each braiding method has its own meaning, and Kumihimo is used to this day as a decorative string for gift wrapping and other purposes.
This article is a deep dive into Kumihimo, how it is braided and what the different types are used for in Japanese culture.
Contents
- The traditional Japanese craft of Kumihimo
- The main types of Kumihimo and how they are braided
- Types of Kumihimo and their significance
- Kumihimo braided straps from Knot
- Enhance your wristwatch with Kumihimo!
The traditional Japanese craft of Kumihimo
So just what is Kumihimo? Below we’ll set out characteristics and history of this special braided cord.
What is Kumihimo?
Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese craft where multiple fine threads are woven together diagonally to form a single cord. Depending on the number of threads used, the number of colors, and the way they are braided, it is possible to create a wide range of patterns, from simple to complex designs. In the 2016 anime blockbuster “Your Name”, Kumihimo was a key part of the narrative, and raised the profile of Kumihimo in Japan and around the world.
Kumihimo has a degree of elasticity, and is often used to make sash cords to secure the obi belts of kimonos and yukatas. A special tool called a Kumi-dai (“braiding stand”) is used to braid Kumihimo. There are various types of Kumi-dai, including Taka-dai, Kaku-dai, Maru-dai, Uchiki-dai, and Ayatake-dai, and each one is used to make a different type of Kumihimo gathered thread.
A Kumi-dai is required to make Kumihimo in the traditional way, but it’s also possible to make it yourself using a kit available in craft stores.
Kumihimo through history
Kumihimo has a long history in Japan, and can be traced back to the Nara period (710-794). The Kumihimo braiding technique was introduced to Japan from the Asian mainland together with Buddhism, and it was used as a decorative cord for Buddhist altar fittings, sutras, and priest’s robes. The presence of Kumihimo braided cord attached to artifacts in the collections of the Shosoin and Horyuji temples in Nara Prefecture shows that the technique was commonplace at that time, but the cord is also believed to have existed before the Nara period, as it can be found in the rope patterns depicted on earthenware from the Jomon period (circa 13,000 BC – 3,000 BC).In the Heian period (794 to 1185), the strength and practicality of Kumihimo led to its use on armor and swords, as well as strings for scrolls and other items. In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), it was used for decorative purposes, as rituals such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement became more widespread. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the Kumihimo technique continued to gain popularity, and came to be used for sword straps and as decorative elements for haori – a type of short kimono.It was not until the Meiji period (1868-1912) that Kumihimo began to be used widely in daily life. The Sword Abolishment Edict, which prohibited people from carrying swords unless they held a specific rank or occupation (such as law enforcement officials or military personnel), led to the production of Kumihimo for use in sash cords for kimonos, and demand for the Kumihimo continued to grow.
The main types of Kumihimo and how they are braided
Kumihimo can be made in many different patterns, depending on the way the threads are braided and the colors used. Below we will take a look at the different types of Kumihimo and how they are made.
Varieties of Kumihimo
Kumihimo can be made in many different patterns, depending on the way the threads are braided and the colors used. Below we will take a look at the different types of Kumihimo and how they are made.
How Kumihimo is braided
Let’s now take a look at the technique behind Kumihimo
(the actual method will depend on the maker).
1) DividingThe thread is weighed and divided into the amount needed to make the braided cord.
2) Dyeing
Dye is prepared, and the thread is dipped into it. This is repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the desired color.
3) Winding
The dyed and dried thread is wound onto a winding core called a “kowaku”.
4) Matching
The thicknesses and weights of the threads are matched and combined into one.
5) TwistingThe twisted thread is put through a thread twisting machine called a “haccho”.
6) Measuring
Depending on the type of braid that will be made, the length of the thread, the number of frames used for winding, and the number of threads bound are adjusted. For a beautiful final Kumihimo, the warping process must be carried out correctly.
7) Bead setting
The warped thread is wound around a bobbin and set on a braiding stand.
8) Braiding
The braiding stand is used differently depending on the pattern and type of braided cord, and the cord is braided.
9) Attaching tassels
The ends of the string are untied and tassels are attached. Adding tassels of the same color makes for a splendid Kumihimo cord.
10) Steaming
Steam is applied to the tassels to remove any shrinkage or creases.
11) Finishing touches
The Kumihimo is finished by attaching a quality label and wrapping cellophane around the tassels to protect them.
Types of Kumihimo and their significance
Decorative knots are a technique used to make decorative items such as Japanese plum and chrysanthemum flowers using Kumihimo. There are various types of decorative knots, and they have different meanings and uses.
Japanese plum knot (Ume-musubi)
The Ume-musubi is made by tying five petals together to form a shape similar to a Japanese plum flower. It is considered to be a good-luck charm, as it is believed to ward off illness and evil. In addition, because the Ume-musubi looks like five tightly bound petals, it is also said to symbolize the bonds and connections between people. This knot is often used for congratulatory envelopes for celebrations and weddings, as well as for interior decorations. It is also one of the easier decorative knots to tie.
Chrysanthemum knot (Kiku-musubi)
The “Kiku-musubi” has the shape of a chrysanthemum flower. Just as chrysanthemums have long been used in Chinese medicine and for food as a flower of longevity, the Kiku-musubi also has the meaning of “living a long life”. The six petals give a glamorous impression, and it is often used as a hair ornament for Japanese-style clothing.
Awaji knot (Awaji-musubi)
The Awaji-knot is one of the most frequently used knots for decorative tying, and it is easy to apply and use. Pulling on the string forms a tight knot, and once tied, it cannot be easily untied, so it is used for one-off occasions such as wedding congratulatory envelopes or celebrating recovery from an illness.
Dragonfly knot (Tombo-musubi)
This is a decorative knot that is tied in the shape of a dragonfly with its wings spread. Since ancient times, dragonflies have been known as the Victory Insect (“kachimushi”) and have been used as a symbol to decorate armor and weapons. Tombo-musubi are often as obi ornaments for kimonos and yukatas, as well as straps.
Double-wish knot (Niju-kano-musubi)
The center of this knot looks different on each side: from the front, it looks like the “口” character for “mouth”, while from the back it looks like the “十” character for “ten”. When these are combined, they form the “叶” character, which means “wish come true”. It is therefore a decorative knot used for decorative tying and amulets to bring good luck.
Jewel tassel knot (Tamafusa-musubi)
The Tamabusa-musubi resembles a large peony flower, and has a diamond-shaped core with six petals. It is considered to be one of the most difficult of all decorative knots, but it creates a beautiful, glamorous impression. It is often used for accessories and straps.
Kumihimo braided straps from Knot
Kumihimo is now available as a Knot strap with an Ayakorai braided pattern! Compared to other crafts, the braiding techniques for watch straps demand an even broader set of skills. After a full year of independent research and the development of a bespoke assembly process, the strap was brought to fruition.
Enhance your wristwatch with Kumihimo!
Kumihimo can not only make your outfit more colorful depending on the design and the way it is tied, but it also has a good degree of elasticity and strength, making it very practical. For this reason, it has long been used as a decorative accessory for weapons and tea utensils, and continues to be widely used in the modern day.The braided watch straps sold by Knot come in a wide range of colors, from standard hues like navy blue to more colorful shades such as orange and burgundy. Combined with your favorite watch, you can refresh your outfit with a new look and feel. If this article has piqued your interest, why not give Knot’s Ayakorai braided Kyoto Showen Kumihimo Silk Strap a try?