You really don't have to spend much to get started. If you want to produce a kumihimo braid then a kumihimo disk is essential. These are available online. The circular disks are often sold in two sizes. The regular size being approximately 17 cm in diameter and a smaller one approximately 12 cm in diameter.
Until you get confident at handling the braid it would be easier to start with the regular size disk. Once you are used to moving the warps around the kumihimo disk you might want to try using a smaller disk. One good reason to use a smaller disk would be to make use of as much length in your horse hair as possible.
Pictured below are what is needed to get going with your own horsehair braid, apart of course from the horse tail hair itself See From Horses Tail to Bracelet
I like to work on a tray covered with kitchen roll, so I can see where things are and items tend to stay put.
On the tray here are:
Kumihimo Disk for round braid (you can also braid square and flat braids on this)
Kumihimo Plate for square, flat or oblong style braids
Glue
Cord, to tie off braid ends
Bobbins to hold the coils of hair, plus beads if used. Bobbins are also good to hold the weight in place under your braid in the early stages.
A ruler, to measure hair or braid length
You will need a good pair of scissors, tweezers and small pliers. For a small cost it is well worth investing in a small kit like the one pictured.
This kit has small containers where you can store findings, jump rings and chains.
In other posts I have shown that a vase or large coffee jar is useful if you want to rest your work while you take a break. It also helps keep the hair neat during the early stages of making a braid.
Once you get properly up and running and more adventurous you may build on your basic kit, adding beads and maybe, more findings in different colours and designs.
Once you have the equipment above and the horse tail hair, you are on your way to having a fantastic bracelet!
