Kumiko · Japanese wooden latticework
Kumiko: the Japanese art of wooden lattice
Fine strips of timber, cut to precise angles and fitted together without a single nail or drop of glue. Learn the craft with Jason from WigWood on Saturday 14 November, then pick up the tools to keep going at home.
What is kumiko?
Patterns held together by precision
No nails, no glue
Thin strips called kumiko are notched and fitted so they lock together under their own tension.
Hundreds of patterns
From the Asa-no-ha (hemp leaf) to stars and diamonds, each pattern is built from a few simple angles cut very accurately.
A few good tools to start
A fine saw, a sharp marking knife, a small chisel and a good jig are enough to make coasters, lamps and small panels at home.
Next workshop · Saturday 14 November
Kumiko Coasters Workshop with Jason from WigWood
- WhenSaturday 14 November 2026, 9am to 5pm
- WhereJTA Workshop, 29 Production Ave, Kogarah NSW
- TeacherJason (Wiggy) from WigWood
- You'll makeYour own Asa-no-ha (hemp leaf) kumiko coaster
Jason's clear, encouraging teaching suits complete beginners and anyone building on their skills. You'll learn to cut a small shoji frame accurately and master the three angles that make the hemp leaf pattern, then take your finished coaster home.
All tools and materials are supplied, with a light lunch and refreshments.
Tools for kumiko
Everything you need to start at home
Start with the kit, or build your own set below.
Kumiko and Shoji Frame Marking and Cutting Kit
The basic tools to mark, cut and clear the small half-lap joints for kumiko and shoji frames, in one set.
- Japanese Dozuki Saw Extra Fine 150mm, cross cut
- 4 Hatagane solid brass clamps (2 × 150mm, 2 × 240mm)
- Brass kiridashi marking knife
- Shinwa 45mm mini try square
- 3mm Oire Nomi bench chisel
- Ryuzo bronze hakkaku hammer 115g
$275.00
$343.00Save $68
Or build your own set
Buy the pieces individually, add WigWood's jigs, or fill a gap in the tools you already own.
Mark
Clamp your strips together and mark them all at once, so every notch lines up across the frame.
Cut and clear the joints
A thin-plate saw follows a knife line exactly, and a narrow chisel clears the waste from each half lap.
Timber for your patterns
Straight-grained hinoki cuts cleanly and holds a crisp edge. Our strips are milled to size in our Kogarah workshop, ready to cut into frames and infill pieces.
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Hinoki Kumiko Strips
Cut to order, usually ready to ship within 3 days
$49.00
Questions
Do I need my own tools for the workshop?
No. All tools and materials are supplied on the day, along with a light lunch and refreshments. If you want to keep going at home afterwards, the kit above covers the basics.
Is kumiko suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Asa-no-ha (hemp leaf) coaster is an ideal first project, and Jason's workshop suits complete beginners as well as people building on their skills.
Which jigumi cutting board should I get?
Choose the righty or lefty board to suit the hand you saw with. The 30/60 chamfering jig is for diamond and triangular patterns.
What timber is kumiko made from?
Kumiko is traditionally made from soft, straight-grained timbers such as hinoki (Japanese cypress), which cut cleanly and hold a crisp edge.
Can I give the workshop as a gift?
Yes. A JTA gift card can be used to book a class or buy any of the tools on this page.
Make your first kumiko coaster
Saturday 14 November at our Kogarah workshop, with all tools, materials and lunch included.