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.
13 comments:
I use a pencil... Is that double or single viking knit? I've never figured out how to do double ... I know it's just going through the same stitches again but the where and when of it all escapes me!
AlegriaDesigns bracelet is lovely!
What a cool tool, Sue. Your bracelet turned out beautiful.
I find doing viking weave knit quite relaxing. That daisy tool is intriguing, seems like it makes it easier to create equally spaced rows. Thank you for sharing. The bracelets are beautiful.
Never heard of this tool before, thanks for sharing, now I may even try Viking Knit.
Very cool ... viking knit is still on my to-do-list!
I find Viking knit relaxing too, it seems difficult but is actually very easy. Your bracelet is lovely!
Since I've learned it...which was recently, I love doing viking knit...yes, it is very relaxing. I also use a pencil or one of my jump ring mandrels...the tool you suggests looks like it would be really helpful...your bracelect and Alegria Designs are both lovely.
I'm intrigued by the Lazee Daizee. It makes the process seem easier. Almost makes me want to try it, but I am trying out several other things at this time.
I too am a fan of viking knit, it is a wonderful way to finish off a piece. I love that tool - will need to check it out and those bracelets are divine!
I always wanted to try the viking knit one day, with this tool I am a big step nearer, thank you for sharing. Lovely bracelets.
I love viking knit! It's such a versatile weave. Your bracelet turned out gorgeous!
I love this tool. I had wanted to try Viking Knit for a long time but just didn't get around to it. I found the Lazee Daizee at a bead expo and it took all of my apprehensions away. It is so easy to use. I can't stop. The kit and little zipper pouch make it easy to keep the project right in your purse for those annoying times when you find yourself waiting around with nothing to do.
What a cool tool!
I love the look of viking knit and this tool really helped me visualize how it is done. You did a great job on your bracelet, Sue, and all of the ones shown are beautiful.
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