Lilac Kumihimo Braided Bracelet

 Holding all 4 coloured cords together, fold in the middle of the cords and knot together creating 8 ends. Place the knot through the hole in the centre of the braiding board. Spread the cords, placing the colours in the notches of the braiding board (each cord in a notch is called a warp). You should follow the pattern of colours illustrated on the tag of your rattail pack, placing a ‘warp’ either side of each dot on the board.

Turn the braiding board over and wrap each cord into its own no-tangle bobbin. You may want to add a weight to the knot to help your braid pull downwards as you work.

You should have a warp either side of dot 32. Rotate the board so you are holding this dot at the top. Take the warp from the notch to the left of dot 16 (at the bottom) and move it straight upwards to the notch to the left of the two warps at the top. You will now have 3 warps at the top and one at the bottom. Now take the warp furthest right at the top and bring it down to the right of the remaining bottom warp. Turn the braiding board 90 degrees counter-clockwise and repeat the same process, moving the bottom left warp to the top left, and the top right warp to the bottom right. Repeat until you get to the end of your cords.

Remove cords from the notches and knot together so the braid doesn’t unravel. Now whip the ends to secure. To whip, wrap the nymo thread tightly around the braid just below the knot, and sew through the braid a couple of times to make sure it is securely fastened. When you are happy that you have secured the braid; take some sharp scissors and cut off the knot close to the whip. To complete, glue on end caps and add a clasp using jump rings.