Nålebinding
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nålebinding (Danish: literally "binding with a needle" or "needle-binding", also naalbinding or naalebinding) is a fabric creation technique predating both knitting and crochet. Also known in English as "knotless netting," "knotless knitting," or "single needle knitting," the technique is distinct from crochet in that it involves passing the full length of the working thread through each loop, unlike crochet where the work is formed only of loops, never involving the free end. Archaeological specimens of fabric made by nålebinding can be difficult to distinguish from knitted fabric.
Contents |
[edit] History
Nålebinding works well with short pieces of yarn; based on this, scholars believe that the technique may be ancient, as long continuous lengths of yarn are not necessary. Some of the oldest fabrics known are examples of Nålebinding from Judea (6500 BC), Denmark (4500 BC), the Arabian Peninsula, Ancient Egypt, the British Isles and Scandinavia.[citation needed]
[edit] Technique
The basic technique involves the use of a single flat needle. A loop is formed, and the needle passed through the loop. The thread is pulled through the loop, but the knot is not snugged up. Left loose, the yarn forms a new loop. The needle is passed through the new loop, forming a chain. At the end of a row, the work may be turned, and each stitch passed through both its partner loop and a loop in the previous row., The work may be performed in a single direction "in the round", forming circles and tubes for socks and mittens.
[edit] Characteristics
Due to the "pulling through", this technique is well adapted to short lengths of yarn which can be joined together to form a textile.
Although nålebinding is slower and more laborious than knitting, it's easier on the shoulders and back, and the fabric it produces can be more dense and durable than knitted fabric. It is still used in Iran to make socks, and in parts of Scandinavia to make hats, gloves and other items that are very warm.
[edit] References
^ Wills, Kerry (2007). The Close-Knit Circle: American Knitters Today. Greenwood Press, 7. ISBN 0275992462. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
[edit] External links
- Anne Marie (Decker) Haymes history page
- Illustrated tutorial by Talzhemir
- Categories of Nålebinding: includes pictures of single rows of Nålebinding, illustrating over/under patterns
- Dilettante Nalbinding: includes some history, many photos of completed projects
- Blog with text and video tutorials and examples of the technique to make "toothbrush rugs" or "toothbrush-handle rugs"
|
|||||||||||||
