Kumihimo

This is a traditional Japanese-style 16-cord spiral fingerloop braid.

Kumihimo is Japanese-style form of cord-making/braiding.  The word "Kumihimo" means "gathered threads."  It is known to be used starting 700 A.D. for Buddhist scrolls and other artifacts. In later times, Samuri used it for lacing their armor and Kimonos.

The original Kumihimo loom is called a marudi:

Nowadays, it is very easy to make Kumihimo using a modern disc loom.  These pictures depict the cord set up on the kumihimo disc that I made with cardboard.  It has 32 notches for placement of the cords.   Then, the creation of the cord through the disc as the cords are woven.  Finally, the finished product!  You can buy pre-made disc looms very easily on the internet.

Kumihimo bracelets I made.  One was even sold at Holiday Faire!