Kumihimo Thread from Japan
The photo is of a bundle of the silk as we receive it. Our Fine Silk and Premium Silk are packaged as follows.There are a total of approximately 672 threads that are pre-cut at 105” (2.7 m) long for braiding; they are organized into four ropes that are further divided into 4 sections. The total number of sections in a bundle is 16. The silk is packaged in Japan in this manner so that braiders can easily make obijime (oh-bee-gee-meh) which are the traditional belts, that tie around the obi. The fourth rope at the bottom of the photo, has been further broken down into four sections which is how BraidersHand thread is packaged; one rope divided into four sections.
One package of Fine Silk or Premium Silk has approximately 42 fine threads in each of the four sections for a total of 168 threads. The thread size is 150/3 which is about the same size as 00 silk thread available on small spools in the USA.
OUR NEWEST OFFERING !!! Premium 24 silk is the same as Premium Silk but comes to us prepared for 24 tama. We have broken this bundle down into two ropes, each having 4 sections of approximately 30 threads for a total of 8 sections and 240 threads. The price difference reflects the cost per thread for the different packages.
Imposter is a synthetic thread that is packaged like Premium Silk. It is a little thicker than the Premium Silk, having approximately 39 threads in each section for a total of 156 threads.
The metallics have approximately 31 threads in each section for a total of 124 threads.
A finished braid is approximately one-half the length of the threads before braiding. See our Tips page for information on handling the kumihimo threads and for directions for making a drawstring for your counter weight bag or use it for a small treasure bag.
Our Yori-Ito Silk is a two-ply highly twisted yarn made for karakumi braids. It is also a wonderful yarn to use on other Japanese braiding equipment and for bobbin lace, knitting, and weaving techniques.