I have always admired Viking knit. Imagine a people tough enough to knit with wire! Well, the Vikings were definitely rough and tough, but Viking knit isn't exactly "knit" in the common sense of the word.
The process to create this type of knitting is amazing. Tools include rulers, credit cards, tape, dowels, wire, long pointy things, and draw plates. Or...you can pick up this simple tool: the "Lazee Daizee Viking Knit Tool". I took a class at my local bead shop using this tool. And wound up with a perfect length of usable knit, which was very cool considering it was my first time.
The tiny round daisy on top works as a holder for the wires that you will start to make rows and rows of loops. Since the long rod has six sides it's easy to space the loops evenly. And the two small holes make adding new wire very easy. You can weave any length you need. If the wire tube gets squished a bit while off the rod all you need to do is stick the pointed end into the wire tube and enlarge the hole enough to fit back onto the rod. Here's a shot of a long tube still on the rod:
Once you have enough length of wire tube you will need to pull it through the draw plate. The draw plate has several size holes. You will pull your wire tube through these holes from the largest down to the smallest desired width of "knit".
Here's a bracelet made earlier (in the class). The tube has been drawn through the holes from large to smaller. I added end caps and a hook clasp.
And look at this one from AlegriaDesigns
Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists jewelry Team, the SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and on ArtFire.