How to make a beaded kumihimo bracelet - 12 ropes kumihimo

Some time ago on our facebook group there was a lot of questions about making a 12 thread kumihimo bracelet. I admit, it took me some time to perfect it (had lots of attempts more or less successful) but I think I finally got there so it’s time to share my knowledge with you. So let’s begin!

In my opinion filling is the most important part for this bracelet to look good. In case of 12 threads there can be two different fillers: 2mm or 3mm cord. They are both good for beaded bracelets and it is still not too stiff. For one colour bracelet I’ll take 3mm cord. Gapes are a bit bigger but with a good colour coordination the effect is really cool. For patterned bracelets better use 2mm cord.  The beads sit tighter together and the pattern stays in place. Using this cord your bracelet will be a bit thinner (you’ll see a comparison at the end of this tutorial). This tutorial is for a patterned bracelet so we’re going to use 2mm cord.

Let’s start with cutting 12 pieces of thread, all of them the same length. For 16/17cm wrist we need 50cm pieces. So cut the thread and cord.

Next, take the cord and attach the end with threads. I use a lighter to melt all the endings together and make sure the threads are spread evenly around the cord.

Cut a shorter piece of thread and tie it around the threads and cord so everything stays in place.

Now we can add a bit of glue and wait until it dries. The beginning of our work is nicely secured now.

Place the threads on a disc like in the picture below. Nr 32->5->11->16->20->26.

If you make a plain bracelet you can easily use a method already known from our previous tutorials – start from the upper left thread (32->17), next, the bottom right goes up etc, clockwise.
Or, we can make it another way and make this bracelet in a completely different way, according to the pattern I prepared. I made it using an app. If you would like a pattern, we will have to make this bracelet a bit differently. 

If you chose your path and it’s a patterned bracelet one, let’s thread our beads, following this scheme:

Thread each cord with 53 beads (bracelet will fit a 16/17cm wrist). Our pattern shows the beginning cord as the 32’s right one, so we have to start with this one. Continue threading clockwise. But hear me – it takes about an hour.

When our threads are all ready, we can start kumihimo fun. Take the right cord off the 32 position and move it down so it’s between 15/14. Next, left 16 goes up to 30/31.

Turn your disc and repeat on the neighbouring threads. Following this pattern we change a thread 24 times(2 full rounds). Our base is ready, we can start with beads now.

According to the pattern, our work should start with a blue bead. If it’s different for you, you probably worked the wrong amount of empty threads.

If everything is correct, start working the beads with the pattern provided. The bead should be placed under the neighbouring thread. It’s the same method as with the 8-cord bracelet, the main problems are smaller TOHO and starting with the right thread.

While working, make sure your threads are nice and tight – like this you’ll avoid beads slipping from under the threads. And don’t worry if the first beads are moving a bit – the further up, the tighter they’ll get, and the first two rows will be hidden in a cap anyway.

How’s it going? For me it takes 1-2hrs to make this bracelet.

OK then. We got to the end. It’s beautiful and flowery – perfect for spring and summer. If you’ve worked the last bead already, it’s time for securing our work.

Make 12 moves with the thread only.

Cut the excess of an inside cord(just be careful not to cut the threads).

Cover the outside part of cord with glue and make some more thread moves to cover the cord and glue.

Put some glue on the sides and wait until it dries.

When the glue is dry, take your bracelet off the disc and cut your remaining threads.

Lastly, cover the beginning threads  with glue and cut the excess.

Glue the endings and place them in end caps.

Attach the clasp and charm and… that’s it!

Wait until your glue dries and your new accessory is ready. I hope you like it!

KUMIHIMO 12-THREADS – LITTLE WALK-THROUGH.

Which thread? For TOHO 11/0's: Beadsmith S-Lon TEX135.

What filling? Plain – 3mm cord. Patterned – 2mm cord.

Do we need a filler? Yes. Otherwise the bracelet will not look good – the beads will not settle well.

Will TOHO 8/0's do? Yes, but it's better to use thicker thread and the bracelet will be quite wide.

How many beads per thread? 15cm wrist – 50/51. 16/17cm wrist – 52/53, 18/19cm wrist – 54/55.

Which end cap? 2mm filler bracelet will fit into a 6 or 7mm cap. 3mm filler – 7 and 8mm cap.

How many beads in total? For one colour bracelet one (not full) 10g packet of TOHO 11/0s.

I also prepared a comparison of bracelets made from different beads and different fillers.

TOHO 8/0's

TOHO 11/0's with 3mm filler

TOHO 11/0's with 2mm filler

2mm and 3mm filler bracelets compared together

Let us know on our Facebook Group if you like this bracelet and what do you think about kumihimo braids.