Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Braiding: The Art Of Kumihimo

This book is the best introduction to marudai braiding in English I have found to date. I bought my first copy (of the first edition) in 2007, when I was new to braiding and working on a disk. I was able to adapt the braids in the book to my disk--see photo--and later when I got my marudai it answered many questions on how to best use the equipment, including text, photos, and diagrams that other books don't seem to do as well. A great thing about this book is that it shows dozens of different layouts and fibers for the braid structures in the book, so you can see the rewards of experimenting with materials. I highly recommend to braiders of all levels! Note: this book does not include braids with beads.

Great book, basic but good.

Great directions and patterns

The book is a reprint from about twenty years ago, so the colors and such might look somewhat outdated, but the content is still very much relevant. it has detailed instructions on how to make different braids on marudai, although you can easily adapt it to the foam disks that are sold everywhere now - those are easier to use for beginners. I liked that there is not only the simple instructions on how to make the braids, but also what effects different kinds of cords and colors will make on the braid.

This is a well made book with a thick paperback cover, strong binding and thick glossy pages. The type is easy to read although I did find it printed slightly small in some sections. The photos and diagrams are sized to be easy to see and printed sharply and in beautiful detail and color. Instructions are clearly written and easy to follow.I have done basic weaving and made different types of thread bracelets as a teen. Years later what was old is new again and my daughters are interested in the different types of knots and disks that could be used to make bracelets. When I saw this book I had hoped the contents would transfer and I was right . . . there is an introduction to the basics, then it jumps into pages of different patterns and sections to handle different weights of cord as well as shapes. I was surprised to find that the foam disks I already owned was basically this type of weaving, so I already had a bit of a basic idea . . . this book opened up a world of possibilities and I have really enjoyed working through it!

Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Braiding: The Art Of Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey contains beautiful illustrations and history of kumihimo, as well as directions for making various braids.This book focuses on the traditional method of making kumihimo, which utilizes a marudai and bobbins, as well as braiding materials and other, helpful, items. It was fascinating to see the traditional tools but I was disappointed to find that Amazon does not sell marudai or the wooden bobbins and no mention was made of the foam discs, which I have always used for kumihimo and are readily available here on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Beadsmith-KD600-Kumihimo-English-Instructions/dp/B00337D5MC/I mention this because once you read this book, you will be itching to try it. You can do so with the foam discs and rat tail cording. Then, if you fall in love with the art, you can start searching out a marudai and bobbins or try making your own. The directions in the book are easy to follow and the resulting braids are beautiful and can be used for so many purposes. I have taught many children to make simple, round, kumihimo using a foam disc and it's a great craft for anyone from about 8 or 9 up.

This is exactly the kind of book we were looking for! This has very clear step by step instructions, and it even shows what the braid project will look like if you are looking down on it. They use different colors of threads so that it is easy to follow along to. My son is a bit obsessed with Japanese culture and fashion/ textiles, as he recreates replica vintage Japanese clothing & leather goods. He has got several library books on this topic that didn't satisfy him at all. He had another book on interlibrary order , but he said he'd cancel it, this is all he needs! This is a true beginner's book, and it is written from perspective of someone who knows how hard it is for some people to learn things involving strings and strands for the first time. He was so excited about this book! He can be a bit hard to please when it comes to books that don't keep the authenticity of the Japanese culture as a top priority. I am not as learned on this topic as he is, but his recommendation in this matter was strong. The book has full color pictures showing the marudai, which is a round stand that is used to complete the braids, and it shows it from different angles. I really love the top down angles with the different colors of thread because it makes it very easy to match what the author has in the pictures to what you're doing. It really helps keep you from getting lost. I will make certain to follow this author for any further books on Japanese textiles & fashion! It's an inspirational book that delivers solid, interesting instruction. This would make a great gift for anyone who really appreciates the beauty of Japanese culture.

It was a friend who said, "Get that book!" when I mentioned "Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Braiding: The Art Of Kumihimo" by Jacqui Carey. Apparently, she is familiar with this type of braiding. So I selected it and it tested my patience but that's the not the book's fault.There is an equipment investment and the author notes that at the beginning in the "Materials & Equipment" chapter. I had to borrow the equipment from my friend so I could get started. It is a very lean book so the author gets right to the point. On the one hand, I liked the focus. On the other hand, even with pictures to go with the text, it takes practice and patience.It is called an 'art' for a reason so I think this book is for a specific audience. If one has the patience for repetition and has an interest, this might be the book for them. If one doesn't have the patience (like me), it was worth the look but may have been better to pass. That said, I did like the focus and clarity of directions. That is much appreciated.