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.
The Premium24 silk is the same as the Premium Silk but packaged for 24 tama. We break this bundle into thirds so that our Premium24 packages have 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. Imposter threads are a little thicker than 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.
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.
See our Tips page for more information silk and on how to handle the kumihimo threads. There are also directions for making a drawstring bag counter weight bag which could also be used as a small treasure bag.