See the under $15 Marudai in action below:
I liked the kum-loom but I was frustrated by the slow speed. Using a Maurdai allows me to move two strings at once. The action is different from the rotating kumi-loom. Instead of moving in a circular manner, the loom remains in the same orientation to the braider. I wanted to learn the Maudai action before I became too habituated to the kumi-loom. Movement was slow at first but picked up. The movement is repetitive so I expect it will get faster and faster. At first it’s a bit like patting your head while rubbing your stomach (LOL).
HERE is an example of someone making a simple braid on a Maurdai.
This is my first attempt. (This is a different pattern that the one demonstrated above.) The braid is only two colors and eight strands. I am trying to keep it simple The braid produced is a flat alternating diagonal pattern. (After I stopped for the night, I used the clip to mark the front of the Maurdai so I wouldn’t loose my place when I went to start again.) I move the right and left hands at the same time (like in the video). Indicated by R & L in the pattern. The numbers represent the positions on the loom. This same pattern could easily be worked on the kumi-loom.
The braiding process needs weight. I used a small quarter ounce fishing weight inside each EZ bobbin. I clipped the braid with a large clip to weight the braid. I had to play with the weight on the braid a bit to get the right tension. (While I was braiding the braid was down inside the Maurdai. I took it out to photograph.)
See the pattern below:
