Today’s project was fiber related: I’m working on creating some kumihimo cords for ID badge lanyards (among other things). I’m making this one for SpousalUnit, who graduated from Mississippi State University a while ago.
Kumihimo is a braiding technique popularized in Japan. The materials and equipment are fairly basic, and very easy to make or acquire. This particular braid is made of acrylic yarn; the braiding frame is an easily-obtained foam ring with 32 slits cut around the edge (to hold the treads while braiding) and a hole in the center(where the braid hangs down while working with the unbraided threads). I’m still experimenting with various types and thicknesses of threads. I’ll also be trying out a few different styles and patterns. I’m leaning towards making a flat braid for the lanyard strap, but we’ll see how this goes in the meantime. I like this one: the pattern is coming out as I expected, but it’s still a bit thinner than I wanted. Then again, it is a very strong cord, so maybe I’ll find a good use for it.
