Marudai
Marudai ( Japanese 丸 台 , English "round frame") is a Japanese braiding device that is used to manufacture cords and ribbons using the Kumihimo technique .
construction
The marudai is mostly made of wood. It consists of a round plate on a frame. There is also a round opening in the middle of the plate.
Working method
The threads or strands that are braided are wound on weighted bobbins ( tama ). They are led over the outer edge through the middle hole and there also weighted down with a counterweight. The braid is created by systematically swapping the coils. The average weight hangs on the finished belt and is wound up there if necessary. The finished braid and the threads are pulled taut by the weights, so the braider has both hands free to work.
Both flat ribbons and round cords can be made on the device. They are traditionally made in Japan from silk thread and used on clothing and armor.