Kumihimo: braiding the thread

Following the video Kumihimo: Dying and Preparing the thread, see how the silk thread is braided to form kumihimo using two different braid stands.
In our first sequence, the craftsperson sits at a takadai braiding station and passes bobbins through the upper and lower registers of threads. They then beat the thread to tighten the braid with a bamboo tool known as a hera.
Second, on the round top of a marudai stand, threads are crossed back and forth in a regular sequence, to create a braided cord.
Learn more about this craft in our exhibition Kumihimo: Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO.

[@sanan4144]

This lady has so much grace - absolutely stunning craft from Japan, as always 😊

[@johnsorrelw849]

This is fantastic ASMR

[@duderino1950]

This beautiful loom makes the little cardboard disc look pretty sad. This is true skill and art. Nonetheless, I greatly enjoy making my six strand round braids with my little toy disc.

[@reyyanna7]

This is such an art! I wish I could learn on a weaver like that! Amazing I am speechless 😊

[@emiliyanikolova3786]

Beautiful ❤

[@AntonMoquin-vg1sy]

Wow

[@mochdarojad]

best watched full-screen

[@ellenicochea2255]

I'm wondering how the spools of thread don't unwind when they are using them? For example, as the threads are taken from one side of the marudai to the other, why don't the spools unroll as they dandle downward from the stand?

[@JapanHouseLondon]

Dear Ellen,
The loop of the thread is what holds the tama (spools) and keeps them from unraveling during the kumihimo braiding process. The thread is looped around a small hook or notch on the top of the tama, which keeps it in place as the braid is created. Additionally, the tension of the thread as it is pulled through the braiding disc or marudai also helps to keep the spools from unrolling. It's worth noting that the quality of the thread also plays a role in preventing unraveling. High-quality silk thread is tightly wound and has a natural "stickiness" that helps it stay in place. Cheaper, low-quality thread may be more prone to unraveling and may require extra attention to prevent tangling and knotting.
I hope it has helped to answer your question. If you still have doubts, I would recommend watching more videos on the Domyo TH-cam channel, which may provide further clarification.
Best wishes from Japan House London.

[@xxonlineratxx4081]

What brand of flat cord is being usedand where to buy