Make Your Own Kumihimo Braiding Disk + Learn the Basics

Kumihimo is a Japanese braiding technique that's fun, relaxing, and surprisingly easy to start, with just a few simple materials. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make your own braiding disk (no need to buy anything fancy), pick your threads, and start braiding using a simple 7-strand method.

Perfect for: absolute beginners, crafty kids, or anyone with too much yarn lying around. 😄

1. Craft foam (I use 6mm) or cardboard
2. Scissors or craft knife
3. Hole punch, awl, or leather punch
4. 7 strands of yarn, string, thread, etc.

You can make a circular or octagonal disk—both work equally well for this first project.

The size and shape don't need to be precise. I usually shoot for 3–4 inches/8–10 centimeters diameter but adjust based on the size of the foam or cardboard I'm working with.

Option 1: Circle

1. Trace a can or lid onto foam or cardboard
2. Cut it out

Option 2: Octagon (faster if you're making a bunch)

1. Cut a square
2. Snip off the corners to make an octagon

Cut 8 evenly spaced notches along the edge:

1. One at each compass point (N, E, S, W)
2. One in between each of those

These will hold your threads in place while you braid.

Cut or punch a hole in the middle of your disk. This is where your braid will grow out of.

I make this hole roughly a centimeter/½-inch in diameter; again, it doesn't have to be precise, just big enough to accommodate the seven threads (see the next step).

You will probably have to get a little creative with this step, as many hole punches don't have the reach or depth to help. You can use an X-Acto knife, scissors (carefully), or a leather punch if you have one.

Choose 7 strands of yarn, thread, cord, etc.

1. Length: 2–3× as long as you want your finished braid
2. I usually go with an arm-length or from one hand to the opposite shoulder. This is enough for a friendship bracelet so it's a good starting point.

You can use any material—yarn, embroidery floss, even random leftovers—as long as the strands are roughly the same thickness (at least to start).

1. Tie the 7 strands together with a knot
2. Push the knot through the center hole
3. Place one strand into each of 7 slots
4. Leave one slot empty

You’re ready to braid!

Here’s the motion, made super simple with a little chant:

🎶 “One, two, three, back to me.” 🎶

1. Point the empty slot toward you
2. Count three strands clockwise (or counterclockwise—just stay consistent): “One, two, three…”
3. Move that 3rd strand into the empty slot (“back to me”)
4. Rotate the disk so the new empty slot is facing you
5. Repeat

After a few minutes, you’ll see a braid forming beneath the disk!

1. Comb out the dangling threads every couple of rotations to avoid tangles
2. Don’t worry if it looks messy at first—it smooths out
3. If you lose your place, just find the empty slot and pick up the chant again

1. Keep going until you run out of strand length or reach the length you want
2. Take the threads out of the slots
3. Tie a knot at the end to secure
4. Trim the ends if you'd like

Your braid is ready! Use it as a bracelet, keychain, zipper pull—you name it.

1. Want to go longer? Use bobbins to keep your strands from tangling.
2. Try mixing textures and colors. You can mix thread thicknesses and use pretty much any material you like.
3. Once you’ve mastered this, look up 8-strand, 16-strand, or square kumihimo!
4. I've started a list of resources for further kumihimo adventures on my website.

Have fun with it! Kumihimo is relaxing, adaptable, and surprisingly meditative. If you try this, I’d love to see your creations—feel free to drop a pic or a comment below. 😊