This bundle of silk has four ropes of 672 threads that are pre-cut at 105” (2.7 m) long for braiding on the marudai, takadai or kumihimo disk or plate. The silk is packaged in Japan in this manner so that braiders can easily make the traditional belts, the obijime, that go around the obi. A round obijime made with this number of threads is approximately 1/4" to 3/8" (5-8mm) in diameter. (Braids: 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond by Rodrick Owen)
For other projects it is easy to divide up the silk in any way the braider wishes. The fourth rope, at the bottom of the photo, has been further broken down into four sections. BraidersHand thread comes in packages that contain one rope of thread that has four sections.
One package of silk has 42 fine threads in each of the four sections for a total of 168 threads. The thread size is150/3 which is about the same size as 00 silk thread available on small spools in the USA.
The Biron and Imposter has 39 threads in each section for a total of 156 threads. The metallics have 31 threads in each section for a total of 124 threads.
Go to our Tips page for information on handling the kumihimo threads and for directions for making a drawstring for your counter weight bag or use it for a small treasure bag.
- The Threads
Silk
Synthetic
Metallics
Our metallics are non-tarnishing metal that is wrapped around a core. The Silver and Gold are solid color, Silvery and Bronze are multi-color, Blue, Orchid and Jade are a rather futuristic metallics, a color you might think will be on a robot someday. The Sparkle Metallic is silk thread with metallic sprinkled on the top. Click Metallic Shades too see what is available, there are no shade cards.
Ribbons
- Ordering
We don't have a shopping cart but you can use our printable order forms to snail mail us an order or to help you form an order to e-mail to us.
- Fine Silk and Biron
- Premium Silk Threads
- Imposter
- Metallics
Thread Ordering Information
Click here for ordering information for our equipment.
As there are no dye lots, we can not guarantee color. Keep that in mind when you order. Always test for color fastness.
- We do not have a shopping cart system as we like to talk to you and answer your questions.
- The best way to order is to call us Toll Free 866-821-4613 or 360-678-4788. We are in Washington state, the Pacific Time Zone.
- E-mail is a good way to get the order started, we will use a phone call or fax to get your credit card information.
- If you would like to use PayPal, our address is braidershand@earthlink.net, be sure to contact us to get the complete price with the Shipping and Handling charges.
- FAX 360-678-4799 your order, please see "Payment Methods" below for information needed concerning credit card purchases.
- Payment Methods: We accept Visa and MasterCard. There is a security code that we need from these cards, it is called the "V code". On the back of the card where you sign your name are a series of numbers, we need the last three numbers to complete a sale. If you are sending a fax and the numbers are illegible then write "V code is illegible".
- Personal checks (in US funds drawn on US banks) may be made out to BraidersHand and sent to us at: BraidersHand, PO Box 1110, Coupeville WA 98239-1110, USA. There is a $50 service charge for returned checks.
- All orders must be prepaid; for large orders a 50% deposit at the time of the order and the balance to be paid before shipping. Washington residents pay 8.3% sales tax. Prices are subject to change.
- Most thread orders are light in weight so USPS is the carrier of choice.
Prices are subject to change.