If you are a crafter, a would-be crafter, or just someone who has often wondered what Kumihimo braiding is all about (or maybe you never heard of it until today...), this course is for you. I will talk about this Japanese art/craft, show you how to make a Kumihimo disk (round) and plate (square), and talk about where you can get the ready-made articles. I'll talk about other equipment you will need, or that you could use, show you some Kumihimo 'in action', and teach you a few basic but effective techniques to make simple braids you can use to make gifts or useful items. I'll also include a brief history along the way.
Course aim
An introduction to Kumihimo braiding. The course will include instructions on how to make a Kumihimo disc and plate, and include a brief history of the craft, as well as, of course, instructing you in various ways you can use your new-found skills.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- explain the term Kumihimo and what it refers to
- make a Kumihimo disk and plate, describe how to use them
- make a simple braid using the Kumihimo disc (round) and plate (square), and talk about how you could use these to make gifts, decorations or useful articles
- give a brief explanation about the history of Kumihimo
- list other equipment that you might want or need to practise the art/craft of Kumihimo
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
- You will be encouraged to show your work in class or post pictures or videos in Canvas if you wish, to share your creations and ideas with fellow students.
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will also need access to the internet outside of your sessions. You could do this using a smart phone, tablet, laptop or a desktop computer (at home or through a library etc.).
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- Please bring 2 pieces of cardboard or other flexible material at least 4" square/round to make a disk/plate with slots for the yarn. And/or you can buy disks/plates before we start. You'll also need yarn - anything strong enough to take reasonable tension. Other equipment will be discussed in class.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- You will benefit by having 2 pieces of cardboard around 4" square, a pencil and a ruler, and scissors or other safe ways of cutting the cardboard. Alternatively, you may wish to acquire a set of disk (round) and plate (square) before the class.
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- If there is interest, further courses may be offered in the future.
Download full course information sheet
