Here's how to get started with kumiko

I've made a lot kumiko panels in the last year, and folks seem to like them quite a bit. I'm thankful for that. I'm also glad that other woodworkers are interested in making kumiko, too. I thought it would be helpful to answer the questions that I am asked most often, and have them available here on my website. So, here goes.
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• Is there a book or article I can read to help me get started? I believe that the best introduction to kumiko is Mike Pekovich's article in Fine Woodworking #259. Not only does Mike explain the process very clearly, there are great drawings, and his jigs for paring the infill pieces are the bomb, because they have stops to control how long the infill pieces are. You could then get Des King's books on kumiko. They are very good, too, but his techniques are grounded in hand tools, and I believe you'll have more success as a beginner using Mike's process. However, King's books are a great resource for other patterns, and the techniques for making them. I also enjoyed reading Toshio Odate's book on shoji.
• What tools do I need? There are two answers to this question. First, the bullshit answer: a backsaw of some sort, and a chisel. Now, these are tools I use the most when making kumiko, but the truth is that before I get to the saw and chisel, I've used my jointer, bandsaw, planer, and tablesaw. So, the second and more truthful answer is "pretty much the same tools you need to do any woodworking." You'll also need some guide blocks so that you can pare the angles onto the ends of the infill pieces. There are other ways to do this (specialized planes, for example), but for most folks a chisel and guide blocks make the most sense because you aren't making enough to justify the expense of specialized planes, or the hassle of making jigs for a tablesaw to cut them (if such creatures are even feasible).
• What species of wood do you use? I always use basswood, because basswood has very small pores, almost no visible grain lines, and is generally consistent in color (a lovely pale cream). Also, basswood is soft, so it compresses easily and this allows you to get a tight fit with less fuss compared to hard woods like maple. Moreover, it pares extremely well. It has just enough meat to it that it doesn't crumble and tear like white pine can, but it's soft enough that you don't need Popeye's forearms to work it over the course of several hours.
• Where do you get your kumiko stock? I make it. I buy rough-sawn basswood and go from there. There is a lot of milling involved. Get ready. If you're planer produces any snipe at all, make sure to cut it off. All of the stock you use to make the frame and infill pattern should be the exact same height. Areas affected by snipe will be shorter, and it's not worth the time and effort it takes to bring the taller stuff down to the shorter stuff.
• Have you ever used contrasting species in the same panel? No, and neither should you. And for the love of all things subtle and elegant, don't mix maple and purple heart. I'm being a bit dramatic, except about maple and purpleheart. I know that someone else can use multiple species in the same panel and it looks wonderful (like those huge panels that are like paintings, or a land or seascape). It's just not what I do. 
• How many hours does it take to make a panel? Depends on the size and shape of the frame. Square frames are made quickly. Hexagonal frames take longer. The asa-no-ha pattern in a square frame takes longer to make than the asa-no-ha pattern in a hexagonal frame. Also, the more infill there is, the longer it takes. All good things take time, so relax and enjoy the ride. And if you plan to sell kumiko panels, make sure you charge enough to cover your expenses, time, expertise, creativity, and profit.
• You must have a lot of patience. That's not a question, but yes, I do have a lot of patience.
• Will you post a video of how you use the chisel guides? I'll gladly make a video, edit it, and post it to Instagram for all the world to see when you send me suitable payment. I'm kidding--sorta. I do plan to make a video about kumiko, as well as videos about other woodworking techniques, and post them to YouTube, but that won't be until after I get my shop completely set up.

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