Anda Gumi is perhaps, the simplest braid for the Takadai, and typically the first braid students learn on a Takadai.  The literal translation is Easy [...]

  The Baby Takadai was developed in the US based on a Japanese design. It is small, portable version of the floor size Takadai. The [...]

Biron is a synthetic thread from Japan that mimics silk. It is also less expensive than silk. Imposter is a similar thread also from Japan.

The term, bobbin, is often used interchangeable with tama.  However, tama refer to a very specific type of bobbin, while bobbin can encompass a variety [...]

A braid (sometimes called a plait) is a three-dimensional structure created by interlacing a minimum of three strands of flexible materials such as yarns, wire, [...]

  A device used to allow the use of a core in a braid. Core braiding originated with Andean braids which are made [...]

  The original foam kumihimo disk, round in shape, was designed by Makiko Tada and made in Japan by the Hamanaka company. Today, disks are [...]

Also called slip knot or the slipping hitch. The half-hitch is the knot used to hold the threads on the Tama while braiding.  The benefit [...]

Braids made on the Karakumidai use special silk threads wound on bobbins called hira-dama. These are very lightweight tama (roughly 5gr to 8gr) traditionally made [...]

Ichimai Kourai Gumi, Kourai translates to Korea and Ichimai to One layer. The name translates into One Layer Korean Braid. As the descriptive name is 2-2 Twill, [...]