How to Make a Chumig Gudril Weave

Yaks provided the thread in the original chumig gudril weave.

The chumig gudril weave, also known as the nine-eyed weaved, was traditionally used by Tibetan nomads who wove together the black and white hairs from their yaks to construct slingshots. The pattern took on a more political bent in the late 1980s, when Tibetan prisoners wove rangzen ("independence") bracelets from threads pulled from their prison uniforms as a sign of solidarity and protest. Now, the bracelets are popular, though discreet, emblems among those who believe in Tibetan independence.

Things You'll Need

• Black embroidery floss
• White embroidery floss
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut three-foot strands of black and white embroidery floss. The more strands you cut, the thicker the bracelet will be. Align the strands by color. Lay the white strands on top of the black strands to resemble a large plus sign. If you wish, you may wrap the strands around your toe or otherwise secure them.

2. Fold the downward-pointing black thread diagonally, so it lays between the upper black thread and the left white thread. Fold the upward-pointing black thread diagonally so it lays between the right white thread and the folded portion of the bottom black thread.

3. Weave the left white thread over and under the folded black threads so it ends under the folded section. Weave the right white thread over and under the black threads. Tighten, forming a small checkerboard. Repeat eight times.

4. Fold the black strands straight up and straight down, so they lay next to each other across the checkerboard. Weave the white strands in. Tighten.

5. Weave diagonally nine times. Note that you will now be weaving in the opposite direction -- to the right instead of to the left -- because the straight weave leaves the black strands in a different position. This will create the zig-zag pattern that characterizes chumig gudril weaving.

6. Repeat the straight-weave and the weave diagonally to the right nine times. Continue the pattern until you are satisfied with the length. Braid the end and tie it off with a square knot.

Tips & Warnings

• This pattern is virtually identical to lanyard weaving, so you may practice with plastic lanyard strips before working with embroidery floss.

• If you sell these bracelets, consider donating the proceeds to an organization dedicated to Tibetan independence.

References

• Built on Respect: Chime Gudril
• Friends of Tibet: Rangzen Band