Finding calm with Kumihimo weaving – an eleven-year-old’s experience
‘Finding calm with Kumihimo weaving – an eleven-year-old’s experience’ blog article was written by Chris Cussen, Lead of Product Development, Content Creation, and Projects for Therapeutic Services at Australian Childhood Foundation.
Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese weaving technique. The word Kumihimo translates to ‘gathering threads.’
Eleven-year-old Sophie* found a YouTube tutorial and taught herself Kumihimo weaving after her art teacher told her class about it. She cut out a cardboard disc for her weaving frame and assembled different coloured strands of wool.
She says, ‘It is so relaxing and easy; everyone should have a go’.
When Sophie does her weaving, she says she ‘feels calm and likes the rhythm’. She weaves in front of the TV and in the car, and at times, she has a spare five minutes. She likes that it gives her hands something to do. It doesn’t take long before a braid is created, long enough to be tied together as a bracelet or anklet. Sophie enjoys giving her braids away.
Sophie says she likes ‘that there are so many ways weavings can come out.’
It is interesting that people can start with the same-coloured threads and weave very different-looking braids. Kumihimo is a traditional weaving technique from Japan.
Most cultures have weaving and/or textile traditions.
I wonder if you know of any that are part of your family or cultural heritage?
Sophie wants to share the following Kumihimo weaving tutorial clip she learned from with other children and young people:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y40cudjj76o (12.55-minute duration)
For an even simpler Kumihimo weaving technique, you could take a look at this shorter clip:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlZgBPU6pWY (5-minute duration)
Do you know any creative young people with a craft or activity that they find calming or relaxing? Get in touch with us at support@childhood.org.au. We’d love to support them in sharing their ideas with other children and young people.
A note for Practitioners: This craft activity has broad application. It suits upper primary school-aged children and young people. It requires few materials and is highly portable. Crafters can make a bracelet-length braid in about half an hour once they have learned the technique. The weaving action is rhythmic and repetitive, and many find it relaxing. It might be interesting to ask the young person and family members you are working with if they are aware of any weaving or textile traditions associated with their family and/or cultural background.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of children. Thank you for your understanding and support. If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support regarding family violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). To report concerns relating to a child, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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