Friday, August 23, 2013

Crochet vs Kumihimo

My Bead Chat friend +Susan Giuliano asked me today, which method do I  prefer, Kumihimo or Bead Crochet?  So y'all have her to thank for this post.  So here we go...

Crochet Bangles Designed and made by +Betsy Morgen Glen

Bead Crochet is a crochet technique that incorporates beads into a crochet fabric.  Most bead crochet is created by stringing beads onto uncut crochet thread prior to crocheting. Most artists either use a beading needle or apply clear nail polish to the end of the thread to create an anchor point for beading. At predetermined stitches, the crocheter slides one bead down and incorporates it into the fabric. Pre-stringing requires both the bead sequence and the crochet pattern to be fully planned in advance of manufacture.




Kumihimo Bracelet Handcrafted by Caron @ Sweets Signatures
Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braid-making. Cords and ribbons are made by interlacing strands.[1] Kumi himo is Japanese for "gathered threads".

The resulting end product of both look similar



Here are just some of my observations regarding the differences....remember this is strictly my own opinion.

Kumihimo                                                   Bead Crochet      

Beads do not have to be pre-loaded             Beads must be pre-loaded/strung
/pre-strung prior to starting your
braid or pattern

You can load a "pattern" in the stage           When working a design/pattern
add size 8/0 for 2", then add leaves             it must be clearly thought out prior
 etc...                                                        as the pattern must be loaded

Many clasp options: cones, caps, toggles      Most I've seen are made into
                                                                 bangles

Fairly quick...not including the preloading      More time consuming...even
                                                                  without the pre-loading

And the winner is?!!!! 

I like both methods, but I would default to Kumihimo before a beaded crochet piece...primarily because of time.

Happy Beading!

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6 comments:

  1. Liz SunderlandAugust 23, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Thanks for this info Caron, I have yet to try Kumihimo, but I am itching to, would you recommend the round disk or the square one for starting up?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Caron BaileyAugust 23, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    Liz, I have both round and square. I've only done one project with the square disk. I'd get the round for starters.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Liz SunderlandAugust 24, 2013 at 2:38 AM

    Brilliant, thanks you for your help Caron :) x

    ReplyDelete
  4. MinnieMay9June 17, 2018 at 10:41 AM

    Do you think one method would be more durable than the other?

    ReplyDelete
  5. RatfancyJune 16, 2021 at 8:26 AM

    I find that the difference is the "drape" in the final product. Bead crochet is more flexible.

    ReplyDelete
  6. gjulienJune 4, 2023 at 12:08 PM

    Can a beaded crochet pattern be converted to kumihimo?

    ReplyDelete

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