Presents "research into unique design possibilities of kumihimo" and "describes how the binary code can be used to predict unique two-color designs in different braid structures"--Accompanying material.

The Thirty-Seven Interlacements of Hira Kara Gumi is a design book for braiding enthusiasts. Learn how the binary number system is used to predict the definitive number of unique two color designs in the Kumihimo braid known as Hira Kara Gumi. Braiding instructions show the four movements required to make this braid, whether using the traditional Japanese Marudai stand or a foam braiding disk. This popular 8-element flat braid is used by weavers, jewelry designers and others interested in plaited elements for use as embellishments or decorative purposes. Includes a numbered template showing the positions of the eight elements, an aid for creating multi-colored braids. Of the thirty-seven unique designs using colors labeled A and B, there are two designs with 7 A and 1 B; eight with 6 A and 2 B; fourteen designs with 5 A and 3 B, and thirteen with 4 elements A and 4 elements B. Arranged according to their binary code, the thirty-seven designs use black as color A, and one of six different colors for color B. The cover art replicates the traditional Japanese stitched binding method.Size: 4.313 x 6.75 | 39 color diagrams | braiding instructions | braid template | 60 pages folded in half ISBN 13: 9780966486339

Elementary techniques of 12 maru-dai, 30 kaku-dai and 20 ayatake-dai are included.

An Exaltation of Blocks is a two-volume book and toolkit for exploring symmetric block design intended for weavers and designers who use grids in their creative process. The first chapter of Volume One describes the block as the basic unit of design. Subsequent chapters describe the process of using the binary number system to develop the definitive number of 2-, 3-, and 4-block motifs, which, in turn, become the elements for developing larger designs and patterns. Three chapters written specifically for weavers show how to covert complex patterns into three different weave structures suitable for 8-shaft looms: Summer and Winter, Huck Lace, and Warp-Faced Rep. Chapter Ten shows how to create asymmetry from the symmetric motifs. Volume Two is the Toolkit of twelve envelopes which contain the 45 printed design pages and 49 transparent overlays. Section One creates the equivalent of over 2 million 6-block designs while Section Two continues to develop 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-block designs. The potential for the higher ordered designs is 68 billion patterns. The first edition is limited to 500 copies, each signed and numbered by the author.

Kongo Gumi: A Cacophony of Spots, Coils, Zags, Lines documents the layouts and designs of the 1,157 unique 2-color patterns for this 16-element Japanese braid known as Kongo. It details and illustrates the process for determining that this is the definitive number of patterns available in this braid structure, and provides instructions for creating each one. The evolution of the kumihimo braid shows pattern spots ranging from 1 through 8 spots, after which the designs are duplications of previous patterns. An historical perspective of the braid is included along with a comprehensive bibliography for kumihimo instruction, as well as a listing of selected titles for kimono, samurai armor, Japanese history, and the general subject of fiber arts.

A practical guide to the technique of kumihimo (Japanese braid making).

Takes a look at two families of braids, Peruvian, and Japanese braids, and shows more than 50 different braid designs incorporating over 250 patterns