I learned to do a very simplified version of Japanese kumihimo braiding. This craft is simple enough for children in elementary school, yet also relaxing and satisfying for adults.
The loom is a cardboard circle with a center circle opening. 8 notches are cut at even intervals around the circumference.
Lengths of yarn about a meter long are placed in 7 of the notches and brought down through the center hole. The ends are pulled through the hole just enough to tie a knot to hold all the ends together. I then attach a large clip to the knot. This acts as a weight to hold the braid straight as it grows.
Beginning with the empty notch pointing toward me, I count up 3 notches counterclockwise. That thread then gets moved to the empty notch.
The loom is rotated so the empty slot faces me again. The process repeats, always counting up 3 counterclockwise. ( The same could be done by always going clockwise, or by using a number other than 3. There are so many patterns possible, but this is what I do to keep it easy for a class of children.)
As the braid grows, it comes down through the center opening.
To make a longer braid, wind the threads onto bobbins to keep them neat.
I hope you enjoy this simple craft as much as I do. One of my granddaughters really finds it calming and enjoys being productive. Eventually I will teach her to knit, too.
