Takadai
Encyclopedia
A takadai also called kōdai, is a frame used for making kumihimo
, a type of Japanese braid. The braids created on the takadai are flat (3D effects can be achieved) as opposed to the braids created on the marudai
which have a round or polygonal section. The threads are attached to weighted bobbins called tamas and lay on wood pieces with pegs that are called koma. A wooden sword is used to lightly beat the braid once the weaving has been done. The weaving progresses on a 'V' front, as opposed to weaving on a regular loom that progresses on a straight front.
On the takadai it is possible to make intricate patterns using a technique called "pick-up braids". The braid has two sides of two contrasting colors and is usually linked on the edges. Then a pattern is formed by interchanging strands from the bottom braid to the upper braid, and by changing the braiding sequence. See Rodricks' book for more details.
Kumihimo
Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braid-making. Cords and ribbons are made by interlacing strands.-History:Kumihimo cord was first created by a form of finger-loop braiding. Later tools such as the marudai and the takadai were employed to make more complex braids in shorter time...
, a type of Japanese braid. The braids created on the takadai are flat (3D effects can be achieved) as opposed to the braids created on the marudai
Marudai
A is a frame used for making kumihimo, a type of Japanese braid. The Japanese style marudai is 16" high and is usually used while kneeling or when placed on a table. The Western style 26" marudai allows the braider to sit in a chair to braid. They are most commonly made out of wood, although...
which have a round or polygonal section. The threads are attached to weighted bobbins called tamas and lay on wood pieces with pegs that are called koma. A wooden sword is used to lightly beat the braid once the weaving has been done. The weaving progresses on a 'V' front, as opposed to weaving on a regular loom that progresses on a straight front.
On the takadai it is possible to make intricate patterns using a technique called "pick-up braids". The braid has two sides of two contrasting colors and is usually linked on the edges. Then a pattern is formed by interchanging strands from the bottom braid to the upper braid, and by changing the braiding sequence. See Rodricks' book for more details.
Terms related to Takadai
- KumihimoKumihimoKumihimo is a Japanese form of braid-making. Cords and ribbons are made by interlacing strands.-History:Kumihimo cord was first created by a form of finger-loop braiding. Later tools such as the marudai and the takadai were employed to make more complex braids in shorter time...
or kumi himo - Japanese for "gathered threads". - MarudaiMarudaiA is a frame used for making kumihimo, a type of Japanese braid. The Japanese style marudai is 16" high and is usually used while kneeling or when placed on a table. The Western style 26" marudai allows the braider to sit in a chair to braid. They are most commonly made out of wood, although...
- a smaller stand for making round braids - ObiObi (sash)is a sash for traditional Japanese dress, keikogi worn for Japanese martial arts, and a part of kimono outfits.The obi for men's kimono is rather narrow, wide at most, but a woman's formal obi can be wide and more than long. Nowadays, a woman's wide and decorative obi does not keep the kimono...
- the broad cloth sash used in traditional dress. - Obijime - the cord used to bind the obi secure.
- Tama - little spools. The thread is kept from unwinding by passing the thread under itself, forming a loop around the tama. True silk is a hollow fiber with a rough surface that resists slipping past the loop unless gently pulled. For synthetic fibers, a flexible plastic "clamshell" bobbin may be preferable.
Books
- Making Kumihimo, Japanese interlaced braids, by Rodrick Owen
- Comprehensive Treatrise of Braids V, Taka-dai braids 3, by Makiko Tada