Beaded and Bejeweled Kumihimo Bracelet

By: Allison from Dream a Little Bigger

This image courtesy of dreamalittlebigger.com

By: Allison from Dream a Little Bigger

With the Beaded and Bejeweled Kumihimo Bracelet, you'll have a DIY bracelet that's fit for a queen. This design stands out among kumihimo patterns by taking basic kumihimo braiding and dressing it up with glamorous beads. This seed bead bracelet is a great way to take the next step once you've learned how to make a bracelet with kumihimo braiding. The rich texture gives this bracelet a delicate woven appearance, which makes the ease in crafting it all the more satisfying.

Click here for jewelry project

Project TypeMake a Project

Bead TypeSeed

Time to CompleteIn an evening

Bead Technique UsedStrung

Bead Project TypeBracelet

Difficulty LevelEasy

For more kumihimo patterns, check out our collection of 22 Kumihimo Jewelry Patterns and Tutorials!

DID YOU KNOW?

Kumihimo is a Japanese braiding technique that is used to make long decorative strands. Ancient samurai warriors used to decorate and hold their armor together using kumihimo cords. Kumihimo cords are now used in Japanese culture as ties on haori jackets and obijimes, which are used for tying on an obi (kimono sash). In addition, kumihimo braiding is now used worldwide in jewelry making, particularly necklaces and bracelets.

In the modern era, kumihimo braids are made by attaching thread of different colors to different points around a kumihimo disk (learn how to make a kumihimo disk here). Originally, kumihimo patterns were made entirely by hand! These braids were strong, but most likely not as intricate looking as patterns we see today.

"Kumi himo" is Japanese for "gathered threads". These beloved jewelry patterns gather together cords into intricate and stunning braiding designs. Like macrame bracelets, braided kumihimo bracelets can serve as friendship bracelets. Beads and charms are added to make these kumihimo patterns even more unique.