Very nice introduction for beginners. If you decide to update this, it would be really helpful to have closeups of each of the bead types as you discuss them. Thanks for the video.
I have to say I totally agree, the video and explanations are really great, but the actual beads may of well not been on the table as you had no idea what was being held up. Still a good video and a great channel and I’m most certainly hooked 🙂
I totally agree with your five favourites, and I have another way I like to use the European large hole beads. Basically, I use them as spacers between different segments of kumihimo. For example, if I have two different sections of beaded kumi , and the beads don't look quite right butting up beside each other, they can look amazing with a large hole bead between them. I've also used them on a lariat to cover up the join with the tassel on each end.
Great question! Most braids are made into jewellery, but over the years I have seen loads of creative uses for kumihimo, such as bag straps, belts, dog leads, curtain tie backs and even coiled to make mats.
I wear mine or give them as gifts to friends and family. I sell other jewellery I make but not kumihimo because of the time it takes to make - love the making process though.
Hi Pru! I'm currently working a necklace with a combination of long magatamas, 4mm druks and 8/0 seeds. I think the druks should be added to your list. :-) I use them a lot, depending on colour they can be a focus or a lovely backdrop for something more spectacular. They're very versatile and very inexpensive. I think czech firepolish would be a good addition as well, in their many sizes.
Thank you so much for all your videos. I look forward to each new one. You wanted to know other beads used: I like the lentil also. Take care and stay safe!
Hi Pru, I love your videos they are so educational, inspiring and interesting, however could we have more close ups of the products demonstrated please?
My favourites are long magatamas (with size 6 or 8 rounds in with them sometimes) and I love 3 or 4mm swarovski bicones - amazing aparkle (I use 1mm satin cord and the bicones are threaded on something tough and thinner) Always worth buying real swarovski despite the price - I've bought cheaper suppossedly swarovski and they catch on the thread (not so smooth inside) and chip too :-( Thanks for all your lovely videos Pru - looking forward to getting back to kumihimo again when my finger is stronger.
Thank you for the educational video. I have some 4mm cube beads, have you made any with these beads? Some have used hex beads, but I’m not thrilled with using these. Would appreciate your suggestion.
Gloria Borrero - the cube beads can be used for kumihimo, but you will not get such a smooth effect as you get with round beads because you will be able to feel the corners.
Hi Pru I like working with gemstones, even shell pearl, some swarovski beads as they that extra sparkle, glass beads, this is just a start, plus i have hole loads of seed beads and i would love to try the megatoe beads as they look interesting!
Very interesting, but I have a question. Is there a rule of thumb for putting a certain cord with a certain bead ? I realize the big question is can you thread the bead but how about when you mix sizes the cord tends to show more ? I have some round glass 6 mm glass beads that I thought would make a lovely addition with seed beads, first they are very hard to "pop under" that could just be my lack of skill, but also on the finished bracelet I can really see the cord. I don't like that. So should I try a thicker cord with the larger bead ? at the same time using a thinner cord for the seed beads? will more than one size cord work ?
You can get a very attractive effect with 6mm beads mixed with size 8 seed beads by dropping in 2 seed beads for every one 6mm. This will solve the problem of cord showing.
I appreciate the concept of this video, but I wish you had shown us the beads up close. I have no idea what you mean by a one-holed bead versus a two-holed bead. You also described the uses of each without showing us what you were describing. I haven’t looked through your other videos, perhaps you have examples on those.
your very knowledgeable on the subject. Need to do more!!
Very nice introduction for beginners. If you decide to update this, it would be really helpful to have closeups of each of the bead types as you discuss them. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for the constructive criticism and I agree that would be an improvement. This is all a learning experience for me and feedback is great.
I have to say I totally agree, the video and explanations are really great, but the actual beads may of well not been on the table as you had no idea what was being held up. Still a good video and a great channel and I’m most certainly hooked 🙂
I totally agree with your five favourites, and I have another way I like to use the European large hole beads. Basically, I use them as spacers between different segments of kumihimo. For example, if I have two different sections of beaded kumi , and the beads don't look quite right butting up beside each other, they can look amazing with a large hole bead between them. I've also used them on a lariat to cover up the join with the tassel on each end.
That is a great way to use them and on a lariat I should imagine they would add weight to the ends which would help it to hang well.
I’m addicted to Kumihimo and really appreciate all your tips. What do most people do with all their lovely creations?
Great question! Most braids are made into jewellery, but over the years I have seen loads of creative uses for kumihimo, such as bag straps, belts, dog leads, curtain tie backs and even coiled to make mats.
I wear mine or give them as gifts to friends and family. I sell other jewellery I make but not kumihimo because of the time it takes to make - love the making process though.
Hi Pru! I'm currently working a necklace with a combination of long magatamas, 4mm druks and 8/0 seeds. I think the druks should be added to your list. :-) I use them a lot, depending on colour they can be a focus or a lovely backdrop for something more spectacular. They're very versatile and very inexpensive. I think czech firepolish would be a good addition as well, in their many sizes.
Two very good suggestions. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all your videos. I look forward to each new one. You wanted to know other beads used: I like the lentil also. Take care and stay safe!
You are so welcome! I hope you are also staying safe in these difficult times.
Hi Pru, I love your videos they are so educational, inspiring and interesting, however could we have more close ups of the products demonstrated please?
Good suggestion. For the videos where I am demonstrating a design I make sure I get a close up and put photos on the relevant page on my website too.
My favourites are long magatamas (with size 6 or 8 rounds in with them sometimes) and I love 3 or 4mm swarovski bicones - amazing aparkle (I use 1mm satin cord and the bicones are threaded on something tough and thinner) Always worth buying real swarovski despite the price - I've bought cheaper suppossedly swarovski and they catch on the thread (not so smooth inside) and chip too :-( Thanks for all your lovely videos Pru - looking forward to getting back to kumihimo again when my finger is stronger.
I am glad you have been enjoying the videos. I totally agree with what you say about Swarovski. Quality shows!
Thank you for your advice. I much prefer the Japanese beads to all others, because they are consistently uniform.
Thank you for the educational video. I have some 4mm cube beads, have you made any with these beads? Some have used hex beads, but I’m not thrilled with using these. Would appreciate your suggestion.
Gloria Borrero - the cube beads can be used for kumihimo, but you will not get such a smooth effect as you get with round beads because you will be able to feel the corners.
Hi Pru I like working with gemstones, even shell pearl, some swarovski beads as they that extra sparkle, glass beads, this is just a start, plus i have hole loads of seed beads and i would love to try the megatoe beads as they look interesting!
Great to hear your preferences. I must admit that I found it hard to restrict myself to 5 types!
David Rolph
Very interesting, but I have a question. Is there a rule of thumb for putting a certain cord with a certain bead ? I realize the big question is can you thread the bead but how about when you mix sizes the cord tends to show more ? I have some round glass 6 mm glass beads that I thought would make a lovely addition with seed beads, first they are very hard to "pop under" that could just be my lack of skill, but also on the finished bracelet I can really see the cord. I don't like that. So should I try a thicker cord with the larger bead ? at the same time using a thinner cord for the seed beads? will more than one size cord work ?
You can get a very attractive effect with 6mm beads mixed with size 8 seed beads by dropping in 2 seed beads for every one 6mm. This will solve the problem of cord showing.
Thanks so much, such a simple solution, love your tutorials
I would love to hear about the top 5 beads for other people. I would also love to hear about any other Top 5 videos you would like to see.
Prumihimo please please can you show close ups. Lovely explanation.
I appreciate the concept of this video, but I wish you had shown us the beads up close. I have no idea what you mean by a one-holed bead versus a two-holed bead. You also described the uses of each without showing us what you were describing. I haven’t looked through your other videos, perhaps you have examples on those.
I use 4mm Swarovski bicones a lot, especially with the long magatamas, and size 8s.
They certainly add a special sparkle!
It would be nice to have close up shots of the different beads for us beginners.Whilst it’s nice to see you, it doesn’t show us the beads sorry
my favorite is Magatama
They are a fabulous bead!