How to: Beaded Kumihimo keychain

Introduction

If you've ever taken on beading as a hobby, you've probably accumulated a selection of beads: leftovers from previous projects, irregular seed beads or an assortment of various shapes, sizes and colors that you're not quite sure what to make with. This is a simple idea for using up that stash to make a keychain or a purse accessory for you or to gift to a friend.

New to Kumihimo? You might want to read this beginner guide first.

Recommended supplies

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Kumihimo disc: I use the mini disc most of the time, as I find it more ergonomic. I reserve the full size disc for larger and heavier projects (such as beaded necklaces).

Strong glue: E6000 is industrial-grade adhesive which is popular among jewelry makers. It dries clear and its smell is not as overwhelming as some other types of strong glue that I've tried.

Scissors

3oz (90g) weight (alternatively, a small bag and a clip)

Clasp (or closure of your choice): I use glue-in end cap which you can attach a lobster closure to. Magnetic clasps are another good option if you don't like fiddling with lobster clasps.

Keyring

Jump rings

Optional: Beading needle (alternatively use a piece of sewing thread)

Optional: Charms or pendants. Charms can add a fun touch to your finished piece. Make your accessory even more unique with a silver, gold, rose or enamel pendant, a pompom, segments of chain, feathers, tassel, beads etc.

Beads

Use your stash. If you need to shop for this project, here are three types of beads that I use frequently:

Faceted glass beads are my personal favorite beads to work with. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors and produce results which are refined yet cost-effective.

Gemstone beads are another type of beads which I enjoy working with. They're a great option if you like the natural aesthetic. You can even use chips for a more organic look (unless you're following a specific pattern).

Miyuki 8/0 beads are Japanese glass beads which are more uniform in shape than regular seed beads. Their holes are large enough to string into thin (up to 1mm) satin rattail cord (and S-lon). They also come in fun assorted mixes and a variety of colors and effects such as galvanized (metallic), matte, AB, silverlined and more.

Cord

You will need 8 strands of cord (or 4 strands folded in half). The length of cord you will need to complete your project depends on the size of the project, your tension, the size of your beads and disc, the thickness of your cord etc. The most commonly used types of cord are:

S-lon cord can be used for a variety of different crafts. It's ideal for beaded Kumihimo since it's easy to string, especially when using beads with smaller holes.

Thin satin rattail cord (0.5mm - 1mm) is an affordable alternative to S-lon which works with most beads 4mm and larger.

Tip: Are you eager to get started while waiting for supplies to arrive? Print out this free Kumihimo disc template on cardboard or a foam sheet. You can use any yarn or embroidery floss that you have on hand instead of nylon cord.

Beading instructions

Step 1: Set up your Kumihimo disc

Place the Kumihimo disc on a flat surface with the numbers facing up.
Take 8 cords (or 4 cords folded in half) and tie a knot on one end (or at the fold).
Pass the knot through the hole in the center of the Kumihimo disc. This will be the start of your Kumihimo braid.
Arrange the 8 cords around the edge of the disc, placing one cord on either side of slots: 32, 8, 16 and 24.
Attach a weight to your knot in order to hold the strands in place and maintain tension.

Tip: No weight? No problem. If you don't have a weight on hand, you can fill a small bag with coins, spare beads, dice etc and clip it to your knot.

Step 2: Thread your beads

Braid a small section with no beads. This will be used to glue your end-cap in at the end.
Thread your beading cord with a beading needle if you have one. This will make it easier to string your beads onto the cord.
String beads onto each of your 8 cords following the pattern.

Tip: If you don't have a beading needle and you're finding that your bead holes are too snug to string directly onto the Kumihimo cord, you can use a piece of sewing thread. Fold the sewing thread around the end of your Kumihimo cord and pass the bead through both ends of the sewing thread. You can now slide the bead down the Kumihimo cord.

Pattern

This keychain was made using 88 seed beads (11 beads per strand). Use fewer beads for a mini version or more beads for a longer version (or a bracelet).

Important: Make sure that you're following the pattern which matches your braiding style: A) bottom-to-top-top-to-bottom or B) top-to-bottom-bottom-to-top.

Style A: bottom-to-top-top-to-bottom

If your braiding style is bottom-to-top-top to-bottom, thread your beads as follows:

Style B: top-to-bottom-bottom-to-top

If your braiding style is top-to-bottom-bottom-to-top, thread your beads as follows:

Step 3: Start braiding

Take the first cord, release one bead and place it against the bottom of your braid.
Move the first cord to the empty slot directly opposite to it on the disc.
Take the second cord, release one bead and place it against the bottom of your braid.
Move the second cord to the empty slot directly opposite to it on the disc.
Rotate the disc counterclockwise and repeat the previous steps.
Continue until your Kumihimo braid is the desired length (or until you run out of beads).
Braid a small bead-free section, to glue in the other end-cap.
Tie an overhand knot using all 8 cords to secure the end of the braid. Trim any excess cord.

Tip: You can generate your own pattern using a palette of your choice:

Finishing touches

Step 4: Add end-caps

Apply a small amount of glue to the bead-free sections on each end of your Kumihimo braid.
Attach your chosen caps.

Step 5: Add keyring

Once the glue dries completely, attach a keyring to one of the end-caps using a jump ring.

Step 6: Add charms (optional)

If you'd like to further customize your beaded keychain, you can attach embellishments to one or both end-caps.

Tip: You can add a pendant, feathers, segments of chain, a cluster of beads, a pompom, tassel... The possibilities are endless.

Step 7: Share and enjoy!

Your beaded Kumihimo piece is complete! You now have a beautiful and unique keychain to enjoy or gift to someone. Show off your creation by snapping a picture and sharing it on Instagram using the tag @patternate.art.