Braid stands take many forms and each one creates a unique structure. Photographs of different types of braids can be found in the Gallery section. Below are the main forms of Braiding stands from around the world.
The most popular form of Japanese braiding stand is called a
Marudai and is used in conjunction with weighted bobbins.
The big brother to a Marudai is called a Dai-Marudai and permits the use of many more bobbins. Here is the view looking down at a Dai-marudai.
This is a photo of a
Takadai which originates from Japan. Kumihimo made using a Takadai creates an oblique structure.
Another unusual looking stand from Japan is the Karadumidai shown below. Structures made on such a stand can consist of hundreds of different ends being used - sometimes in all directions, to make three dimensional objects.
The following pictures are of a Chinese braiding stand. Braiding on such a stand is similar in the movement of bobbins to lace making. Bobbins can be made from all manner of things and be weighted by little stones in a fabric bag tied to the end of the bobbin.