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Naalbinding

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I was looking into the history of knitting in Egypt when I stumbled across a photo of these Coptic socks that were made in the 4th century. The divided toe is so that they can be worn with sandals. It looks almost identical to knitting, but it is really a very different technique called naalbinding.

There are also ancient sample of Naalbinding found in Peru where the craft is still practiced today. In fact, variations of this craft have been found all over the world.

There are many different types of stitches that you can do using this technique. What makes it different from knitting and crochet, however, is that instead of working loops into other loops you pass the entire length of your working yarn through each stitch. To do this you use short lengths of yarn and a large blunt sewing needle. This makes it a little unforgiving, but it also makes the fabric very sturdy and difficult to unravel. If you want to know more about the basics of Naalbinding you can check it out on Wikipedia or Ravelry

Here are some photos of my first attempts at this technique.
Foundation Chain
The Coptic Stitch
My finished pouch.

I have enjoyed toying around with this technique and I look forward to learning more about it's history and practicing a variety of stitches.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Cheers,
Jenn
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Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 14, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    Interesting! I'll have to check out the video cause I can't quite grasp the pulling the entire working yarn through. It looks like you did a great job on the pouch.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cathy JohnsonMarch 15, 2013 at 4:12 AM

    Wow, that's so interesting, thanks for sharing! I love the texture of the fabric that you produced, it'll make a brilliant mat/rug or a sturdy bag :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. KarenMarch 15, 2013 at 4:45 AM

    That is really interesting. I have seen some socks from Egypt in photos and heard the term naalbinding but I've never seen it done. Your pouch looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AllyBMarch 15, 2013 at 5:38 AM

    Those are pretty interesting socks. I cannot imagine how much work that technique must take. I think I'll continue to use two sticks, LOL. Thanks for sharing this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MelissaMarch 15, 2013 at 6:23 AM

    I've heard the term but wasn't sure what it actually looked like. It does make a very dense stitch. Thanks for sharing and hope you enjoy your adventure into this new craft.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kate (KnitsInClass)March 15, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    Very cool! I first heard of naalbinding from a customer, who told me it was a part of Scandinavian needlework history. Definitely a wide-spread tradition.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Christine NMarch 15, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    That sounds really neat! Seems like it was pretty time consuming though. Beautiful bag!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JazzMarch 15, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    It's always nice to learn something new :) Thanks for sharing yoour findings.

    The project is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  9. MichelleMarch 15, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    VERY COOL! Thanks for the lesson. I had never heard of this technique before today. Now, my curiosity is getting the better of me. :-D

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownMarch 15, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    Wow that's so cool looking!

    ReplyDelete
  11. AmyMarch 15, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    That's fascinating. I love the history of various crafts especially fiber arts. Your pouch is very beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. WonderWhyGalMarch 16, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    That is an interesting stitch. It's always fun to find a new technique and making the pouch is a very useful way to create with the new technique.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JocelynMarch 16, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    ooh, clever you...nice pouch, I'm inspired!

    ReplyDelete

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