There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of different Kumiko patterns used by more than just Japanese woodworkers.

In this article I would like to introduce and explain some of them.

Note: I will add pictures of each pattern as I build them and more patterns in the future.

The basis of the pattern is the grid (kaku). The grid can consist of squares, triangles (misukude), or diamonds.

The Mitsukude and diamond grids are somewhat more difficult to create. The square grid is ideal for beginners.

Square patterns

How to make the square grid

Asa-no-ha (more precisely kakuasa-no-ha)

Asa-no-ha means hemp leaf in Japanese and is meant to imitate its shape. Kakuasa-no-ha simply means square hemp leaf. In Japan, the pattern is often used on baby clothing fabric and represents both strength and beauty. It's one of the most commonly used patterns, although it's not that easy to make. Three different filler pieces must fit perfectly, and a total of seven filler pieces are needed per square. The angles are 45°, 22.5°, and 67.5°.

Izutsu-Tsugi pattern

This pattern looks pretty simple. It's a small square held in place by four diagonal corners. A 45-degree template is sufficient to create this pattern. It's also quite quick to make.

Triangular grid -Mitsukude-

Asa-no-ha

The Asa-No-Ha in a triangular grid is fairly easy to make and one of the simplest patterns in terms of filler pieces. You only need one setting for the 30° jig and another for the 60° jig. One triangle is filled with three pieces. Once the grid is complete, this Kumiko pattern is completed fairly quickly. The Japanese believe that the accumulation of triangles protects against evil.

Kuruma kikko

Kuruma means car in Japanese, or in this case, wheel. Kikko simply means that it is hexagonal.

The pattern always consists of the same component. It has 60° bevels at the ends and two 60° overlaps on the opposite sides.

 

Sakura

The cherry blossom (sakura) is one of the most important symbols in Japanese culture and is known as the national flower of Japan. It's no wonder, then, that there's a kumiko pattern for sakura.

Sakura symbolizes both beauty and mortality and is said to predict the year's harvest. It also marks the start of the rice planting season.

The pattern consists of only two different pieces, but requires six pieces per triangle. The bevels on the thicker pieces are 60 degrees, and the thinner pieces are also 60 degrees, but there are two at each end.

The thinner piece can be connected either with a normal groove in the thicker piece or with a groove.

Goma gara

The goma (sesame) gara (pattern) represents the sesame flower. Sesame plays an important role in Japanese cuisine and Japan is one of the largest sesame producers.

The pattern consists of the same piece (60° at the ends and two 60° laps) as the Kuruma Kikko, but with different spacing for the laps.

Kasane-Rindo (Gentian Sequence)

Rindo is the gentian and this pattern is derived from a row of gentian flowers.

Gentian represents honesty, justice, and tolerance. The roots of the flowers are used medicinally.

The Rindo pattern is also repeatedly made from the same piece. It has a 90° lap, a 15° bevel at one end, and a 75° bevel at the other end (closer to the lap).

 

Get your Kumiko Starter Set now

In the shop you will find Kumiko starter kits with which you can get started right away.