Handmade Gift Challenge: Chunky Paracord Kumihimo Bracelet

Looking for great holiday gift you can give a good friend or teenage family member that’s around $10 in supplies? I know it almost sounds impossible, but this Chunky Kumihimo Bracelet totally fits the bill! In case you don’t know, Kumihimo is an ancient braiding technique perfected by the Japanese and very popular in accessories this year. While easy to learn, it can be a bit time consuming, so grab your supplies, curl up on the couch while watching your favorite holiday movie and let’s get working on those gifts!

Supplies needed to make your own Chunky Paracord Kumihimo Bracelet:

• Kumihimo Findings: 16mm Gold Ribbon End ($2.37)
• Kumihimo Braiding Kit with Square Disk & Satin Rattail Cord ($3.57)
• Gunmetal Gray Paracord: 325 Craft Paracord, 21 feet ($2.37)
• Neon Pink Paracord: 550 Craft Paracord, 16 feet ($2.37)

Total: $10.68 for multiple bracelets!

Step 1: Gather your supplies. I used three strands of Gray paracord and one each of pink and gold (gold rattail is included in kit). You can always choose to do just one color or make each strand a different color for a fun, eclectic piece. It’s all up to you and what you think the gift recipient will enjoy!

Step 2: Follow the instructions included in the Kumihimo Kit. You can always search “5 Strand Kumihimo” on YouTube if you’re having a hard time with the instructions or are more of a visual learner.

Step 3: Continue braiding until you’re happy with the length.

Step 4: Use a candle lighter or another source of heat to singe the edges closed. As always, take extreme caution when working with an open flame. I would hate for all your hard work (or worse!) to go up in flames.

Step 5: Finish your bracelet by attaching the Kumihimo Findings to the ends. FYI: I had to add an additional jump ring to the “T-shaped” portion of my findings. It’s possible I just got a faulty one but you might want to have a jump ring available just in case.

Now you’re ready to gift your super cute Chunky Kumihimo Bracelet to that fashion forward person in your life! Hope you enjoyed the tutorial and as always, let me know if you have any questions!

Vanessa

Vanessa is a self proclaimed sleep deprived mother of two adorable boys and when she has a little time to spare, she makes things and posts about them on her craft blog, Tried & True. If she’s not cooking, sewing, gluing or making, she would probably go crazy. Join her on her crafty adventure at Tried & True.