The DNA coil
The realization of this coil requires a particular "tool". This is a Kumihimo round shape.
The term kumihimo means: assembly (kumi) of threads (himo). In general, when we talk about threads, we talk more about textile fibers such as wool, silk or cotton, but not metal and for good reason. The techniques used make it possible to tie the threads in different ways with oblique crosses that allow very strong knots. An art that comes from Japan.
Here, what we are looking for is an ease of creativity in order to give an artistic aspect to our coils. Resistive threads certainly do not offer the elasticity qualities of a textile fiber when braiding and the use that we will make of them involves significant mechanical stresses, but, however, this specific tool can help us in the realization and even the design. of complex multi-thread coils.
There are therefore essential points that must be respected in order to obtain a visually correct result. But we will see this during the execution of this DNA coil and still others on future tutorials.
There are, to my knowledge, two types of Kumihimo: one round and one square. The circle is mainly used to practice circular work, the result of which will be in three dimensions, while the square is made for a result in 2D, like a loom. Unlike fiber, metal is harder to work and does not bend as easily as we want, but with a few tips, we can overcome certain problems of maintenance and uniformity.
For our work, it is the round Kumihimo that interests us. The object is very easily found in haberdashery or in online shops and are foam (preferably) with a central opening too wide to keep our work sufficiently rigid. It is essential to fill this central hole with a cylinder of the same material. You will easily find the necessary foam in the packaging of atomizers or boxes. It generally corresponds to the necessary density.
As you will see in the photos below, I therefore use the kumihimo, a foam cylinder cut from an ato pack surrounded by a strip of paper as well as a silicone circle often delivered with the atomizers for them. protect from shocks.
Once the hole is filled, you will need to drill the cylinder in its center to pass all your threads through the middle.
Take 6 wires about 40cm long in 32 gauges (or 0.20mm) maximum (not bigger) and a 28 gauge wire (or 0.32mm). The work being meticulous, it is necessary to braid each thread while keeping a uniform pressure each time the thread is tensioned, but this operation requires having a kind of tutor at the center of the work, this is what is called "blade" or the axis. The soul will also be your guide.
Place your threads around the Kumihimo by separating them into three groups of two around the circle by following the numbers indicated on the edge of the tool (see below).
Then, follow the following diagram:
When moving a wire, remember to keep it in tension.
Be careful that your threads do not knot, because in the long run they may break during work.
As soon as a knot presents itself, do not shoot at it and try to undo it immediately.
The rotation direction of the job remains the same.
Do not print weight on the center of the threads to lower the work. This one will come down alone by exerting a slight pressure with the nail on each wire that you move and against the soul which maintains the braiding.
The soul is the backbone of this braiding which requires structural rigidity. Without it, your work will be irregular and flexible.
To begin your braiding, it is useless to make many knots under the kumihimo. Just hold the strands and start braiding without squeezing the work. The threads will be knotted alone and form a solid foundation. After 4 complete laps, you can then tighten your work and give tension to your threads to ensure an aesthetic result.
Above :
Below:
Once your work is done, you can use this braiding for your resistances.
And above all, do not stress. It is a long-term job requiring thoroughness and patience. You may not be successful the first time, but if you persevere, you will achieve great results. Coil Art is within everyone's reach. To your sons and good work! And if you have any problems making this coil, I invite you to post comments below, I will be happy to answer all your questions.
Sylvie.I
