Disc-braided bracelet
A cardboard disc with 8 notches, 7 coloured threads and one repeated move: you get a round, sturdy bracelet, Japanese kumihimo style.
Age : age 6+; the grown-up makes the disc
Materials
- Thick cardboard (shipping box) : For the disc.
- A bowl or compass : To draw a circle about 10 cm across.
- 7 embroidery threads in different colours : About 50 cm each.
- Scissors, and a craft knife for the grown-up
- A pencil : To number the notches.
Steps
Make the disc
- Draw a circle about 10 cm across on the cardboard and cut it out.
- Cut 8 evenly spaced notches round the edge, about 1 cm deep (like a clock: top, bottom, left, right, and one in between each).
- The grown-up makes a hole about 1.5 cm across in the centre.
Set up the threads
- Tie the 7 threads together with a knot at one end.
- Push the knot through the centre hole from the top, so it hangs under the disc.
- Slide one thread into each notch: one notch stays empty.
Braid
- Hold the disc with the empty notch facing you.
- Starting from the empty notch, count 3 threads to the right. Lift that 3rd thread out of its notch and slide it into the empty one.
- Turn the disc so the new empty notch faces you.
- Repeat: always the 3rd thread to the right, always into the empty notch.
- A round braid slowly comes out under the disc. Give the knot a gentle tug now and then.
- When the braid goes round the wrist, take the threads out of the notches and tie a tight knot. Tie the bracelet on.
Just two colours (4 threads of one, 3 of the other) make a pretty spiral. You can also thread on a bead at the end.
If it goes wrong
- The braid is uneven : Always count the same way, always 3 threads.
- Notches wear out : Remake the disc in thick cardboard, or double it.
- You lose your place : The thread that just moved is always right next to the empty notch.
Safety
- The craft knife for the centre hole is for the grown-up.
- Threads don't go round necks.