I am generally entertained by all of the theories about how long to cut cords 

"Fiber Only" Braids:

Desired Finished Length x 2 + 4 to 6 inches = Length to cut cord in braids with even take-up for all elements (see explanation below)

"Beaded" Braids (Dropping a bead on every move):

Desired finished length x 2 1/2 + 4 to 6" = Length to cut cords for all beaded braids.  

There are many things to take into consideration including some of these:

* Take-up: This refers to the amount of cord taken up in the braid structure. Take-up varies between braid structures. In some braids the take-up is the same for all elements. There are other braids where the take-up is not even. An example would be the difference between an 8 Strand Kongoh and the 12 Strand Ridge Spiral Braid. On the 8 Strand Kongoh Gumi the take-up is relatively even for all elements. In contrast, with the 12 Strand Ridge Spiral the take-up is greater for the E, W elements that form the "ridge".  We learn this from experimentation and practice or by following a pattern where the pattern write/Designer has already determined the differences and accounted for them in the pattern. (Take-up applies more to "Fiber Only" braids and not drop beaded braids that are usually Kongoh Gumi).

* Disk Size:  There are two basic sizes of foam disks. The "Mini" is 4.25" in diameter and the "Standard" is 6" in diameter.  The distance across the face of the disk effects the length of cord. On a 6"disk yo might want the cords a little longer than for mini disk. Just food for thought.

* Start Method: If you start your braid with a Lark's Head Knot, sometimes called a clean start, you will have more length of cord to braid with than if you start with a knotted end. A Lark's Head Knot can be used when you are using even number of elements per color. With a Lark's Head Knot you cut half as many cords but each one is measured twice as long. The cords are gathered, ends evened, folded in half and then bundled in the middle. If you have odd numbers of colors, you cut each cord individually and knot the ends with an overhand knot. If you use a knotted end, add a few inches or so to your cut length. 

* Thick and thin yarns combined. A general rule of thumb is to cut the thinner cords longer as they have a longer distance to travel over and around the thicker fibers. 

 

It is never any fun to get to the end of a project and there isn't enough cord. Always, always, always, " Measure twice, cut once. And always add a little extra for safe keeping". 

 

These are just some things I have learned and I'm sharing with you. If you have learned another way, stick with what works for you. If you are new to Kumihimo, these are a few more things to think about.

Copyrighted patterns are not to be copied, shared electronically, given to friends or members of the guild  or used for teaching purposes 

without express consent of the author. What a Knit or What a Braid patterns are for your personal use. Feel free to sell your creations but remember to give proper credit to the D esigner.  If you decide you want to write a tutorial, 

it is not appropriate to "borrow" parts of a copyrighted pattern.