W03

Threads in rhythm – Kumihimo Basics

Fri 02 – Sun 04 October 2026

In this course, we will focus on the Japanese braiding art of Kumihimo, which has been used for centuries to create decorative and functional cords and ribbons. The starting point is round and square braiding discs, on which an astonishing variety of patterns is already possible.
After an introduction to material choices and yarn qualities, we move on to the practical work: the threads are strung, hands find their rhythm, and the first patterns emerge. Step by step, we learn how movement, tension, and material work together and how they influence the resulting braid.
As we continue, we will learn how to work on the marudai, the traditional Japanese braiding stand, and practise using the tama, the weighted wooden bobbins.

Group of participants:Beginners and slightly advanced learners
Requirements:None, just curiosity and a little patience for recurring movements should be brought along
Number of participants:max. 8 people
Course times:Fr: 17:00-20:00, Sa: 9:00-13:00 and 14:30-18:00,
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Course fee:230 Euros, for students 210 Euros (excluding material costs)

Course leader: LUKAS MATHA, Austria
Born in 1981, completed Special Needs Education training in 2005; 2013 – 2020 studied Fine Arts (Sculpture) at the University of Art Linz, teaches at the HBLA for Artistic Design in Linz; currently studying Media Design and Design.Technik.Textil at the University of Art Linz.