Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Braiding

Jacqui Carey has specialised in Kumihimo since completing her B.A. Honours Degree at the West Surrey College of Art and Design. She was drawn to the subject through her love of Art and Maths. Based in Devon with her family, Jacqui divides her work time between making, teaching, writing, researching and demonstrating.

Not having come across this art myself, I asked a local craft group (I’m based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands) to review this book, some of whom were able to compare it to the original 1997 publication.The group found the introduction to Japanese braiding provided a clear, easily understood guide to all aspects of equipment, threads and techniques used to produce a range of both round and flat braids. The illustrations, diagrams and photography were clean, clear and easily followed, as were the written explanations. The book also provided step-by-step instructions that allow users to produce a variety of braids with a variety of uses: it brings the ancient craft of Kumihimo within the reach of all those with an interest in learning and developing the techniques in a simple way.Members of the group particularly liked it that each type of braid had a different page background colour and found that the warp circle diagrams were clearer set against a coloured background. Close up photographs of working the braids were good and you could clearly see where the threads were placed. Overall the book looked inviting and the layout generally was streamlined and modern.”Having borrowed some equipment, I tried making a braid myself and found it very satisfying to see the work growing under the circle and the beautiful braid it produced.

• Introduction 6Materials & equipment 8Square braid 14Round braid 26Flat braid 34Honeycomb braid 40Hollow braid 46Rounded flat braid 54Using your braids 62Index 64