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To tie a basic mizuhiki knot, start with an awaji-musubi: cross the cord into a loop, weave the ends through the crossings, then shape and tighten it gradually. Mizuhiki is decorative cord made from twisted, hardened paper, often used on gifts and ceremonial envelopes. The steps below follow Felissimo’s illustrated beginner exercise; its example uses a cord about 30 cm long.
What is mizuhiki?
Mizuhiki are decorative cords made by twisting strips of paper—commonly washi—and hardening them with paste. They may be colored or wrapped in metallic paper. In addition to decorating gifts and ceremonial envelopes, contemporary makers use mizuhiki in accessories and home decoration. The Government of Japan’s feature on mizuhiki describes its material and modern uses.
For a beginner, the awaji-musubi is a useful first knot to practice before trying more elaborate forms. Kiyohara’s beginner guide presents it as one of the basic shapes and includes a video to help show the cord path.
What you need
- Mizuhiki cord. Felissimo’s awaji exercise uses a piece about 30 cm long; that is an example for its tutorial, not a universal required length.
- Scissors and a ruler.
- Glue, if your finished project needs its ends secured.
- Optional: thin wire and tweezers, which Felissimo lists among tools for its craft projects.
If you prefer a guided project, Kiyohara describes a beginner kit with mizuhiki and accessory parts, plus a QR-linked video. Check the retailer’s current listing and exactly what it includes before buying; the guide does not establish present stock availability.
#1 Best Overall
- Brown Mizuhiki paper strands
- Pack of 10 strands
How to tie a basic awaji-musubi
Work on a flat surface and keep the cord untwisted. Do not pull hard until the crossings are in place. Follow the diagrams in Felissimo’s awaji-musubi tutorial alongside these steps; the over-and-under route is easier to see than to infer from text alone.
- Lay the right side of the cord over the left, forming a loop.
- Hold the overlap in place and bring the left side over the loop.
- Hold that crossing, then pass the right side through the loop from underneath.
- Draw the right side upward through the loop to complete the basic knot.
- Even out the crossings and adjust the loops. Tighten gradually, working the cord into shape rather than yanking one end abruptly.
When the shape looks balanced, pull the ends to snug the knot. Kiyohara notes that pulling the ends tightens the awaji-musubi. The exact appearance depends on how evenly you arrange the loops and crossings before tightening.
Rank #2
- This is a pair of earrings in a kit that allows you to create accessories and miscellaneous goods while learning the 4 ways of knotting, a turtle knot, a continuous knot and a camellia knot
- Finished Size: W 1.3 x H 2.7 inches (33 x 68 mm)
- Kit Includes: Water Buffet, Cotton Pearl, Ball Pin, Round Ring, Earring Hardware, Recipe for Making (Please check the product description for the details of the kit and quantity)
- Production time: about 45 minutes (adhesive drying time not included)
- Country of Origin: Kit Processing: Japan
Choosing a knot for an occasion or project
Knot choice can signal whether a tie is intended to stay secured or be untied, but etiquette depends on the occasion and local practice. Tanaka Soukichi distinguishes musubi-kiri forms, which are difficult to undo and associated with events not meant to recur, from bow forms that can be untied and are used for celebrations that may happen again. For a real ceremonial gift, check the expectations for that gift and occasion rather than treating a craft guide as universal etiquette.
When adapting a knot for a craft or gift, consider these practical differences:
Rank #3
- [ Braided Bracelet Making Kit ] This craft kit supplies all the necessary materials for creating Kumihimo braided bracelets.
- [ Natural Materials ] Our bracelet making kit includes a durable wooden kumi wheel and 12 cotton embroidery threads. Our eco-friendly packaging is recyclable and compostable!
- [ Comprehensive Instructions ] Includes simple to follow, written instructions and access to video tutorials for easy learning. It's a great craft for kids, adults and family night.
- [ Ancient Japanese Art ] The Kumi Bracelet Making Kit introduces the traditional Japanese art of Kumihimo braiding through a hands-on activity, where you'll make braided friendship bracelets and more with the corded braids!
- [ Versatile DIY Craft Kit: ] The Kumihimo loom allows for creating various items like lanyards, loops and other forms of jewelry.
- How it opens: Is the form intended to remain secured, or to untie easily?
- Occasion: Does the knot suit the event and the recipient’s local customs?
- Cord colors and number: These alter the appearance; Kiyohara notes that both can vary in craft adaptations.
- Finished shape: A flatter form may suit an envelope, while a dimensional form may work better as an accessory.
What to try after the awaji-musubi
Felissimo’s next projects—the round knot and plum knot—both build on the awaji. The round knot adds threaded passes to make a layered, dimensional shape. The plum knot weaves both ends through its central loops. Use the tutorial diagrams for these variations, since their additional passes are difficult to describe precisely without a visual reference.
Tanaka Soukichi’s knot list also includes turtle-shell, pine, ball, plum, double-plum, and bow forms. These names describe different decorative shapes; they are not interchangeable occasion choices. Start with the basic awaji, then choose a variation based on the finished shape and the use you have in mind.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Complete Kumihimo braiding kit: Everything you need to start crafting beautiful braid jewelry! Includes 2 square and 2 round kumi wheels in 4 size, 24 cotton threads, and a needle for versatile designs. Perfect for adults beginners and advanced crafters alike
- User-friendly design: Whether you’re making friendship bracelets or bohemian jewelry, this kit adapts to all styles. The included needle simplifies thread handling, and the lightweight wheels fit comfortably in your hands
- Wide Application: Ideal for making bracelets, necklaces, belts, mobile phone slings, hand ropes, etc., from simple designs for everyday wear to intricate patterns for special occasions
- Kumihimo art: Kumihimo, meaning “gathered threads,” is a Japanese craft. It’s evolved into an art of vivid colors and complex patterns. Our kit lets you explore this tradition, using wheels and threads to make pieces that respect its timeless heritage
- Perfect for gift-giving: A must-have for adults craft lovers! Create personalized gifts, festival accessories, or home decor items. The compact set stores easily and is great for crafting at home or on the go
Rank #4
- KUMIHIMO: This is a traditional Japanese artform of making braids and cords, literally meaning “gathered threads”. Though originally started by finger loop braiding, the interlacing of yarns is now done specially designed round looms.
- GET STARTED: This kit includes everything you need to make your first Kumihimo creation. This is a beginner kit that will teach you the basics before you confidently go on to more intricate and complex designs. Be warned, braiding is addictive, and you’ll want to experiment with different textures.
- COMPLETE KIT: Included in this beginner kit is a round braiding disk, ZAP Jewelry Gel, 8 Bob-EEZ No-Tangle Thread Bobbins (2.25” diameter), finding & finished accessories such as toggle claps, end caps, jump rings and pendant slide, as well as a color mix of Rattail (3 yards x 4 strands of 2mm cord).
- INSTRUCTIONS: Included is a pamphlet with instructions to create an 8-warp braid, a 16-wrap braid and whipping & finishing braid ends. In addition, there are directions for three projects: Ivy Leaf Necklace, Seahorse Necklace and Hearts Necklace. You’ll receive enough material to make an 18-inch braid.
- THE BEADSMITH: 40 years in the making! 💎 Trusted to bring you the best quality beads, tools, and supplies. Making jewelry should be a positive experience. Let us join you in the creative journey. Our experts are here to help. Your satisfaction is important to us. Contact us with any quality issues or concerns.
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