Beginning Nålbinding
Join us here at Northwest Yarns to learn this ancient form of needlwork with Benjamin Brodfuehrer! Nålbinding is an technique using lengths of yarn and a needle that predates both knitting and crochet. A right-handed person holds the work in the left hand and the needle in the right hand. The work progresses from left to right. The needle is 'woven' into the previous loops in a certain order to produce a fabric. It is not possible to undo a nålbound fabric simply by pulling the yarn, like you could undo a knitted piece. Many nålbinding stitches produce a fabric that is thicker and more durable than knitting or crochet. Nålbinding is still practiced in Scandinavian countries and parts of Peru.
The class will teach the Oslo stitch (Finnish stitch 1+1). Topics covered will include:
- Methods for starting
- Yarn splicing (felt splicing, lazy splicing)
- Increases and decreases
- Leaving openings
- Finishing
- Overview of other stitches in the Finnish stitch family
The class will cover how to make a small bag. Additionally, participates will be given a handout with step-by-step instructions for creating the bag with pictures for each step. The skills learned are applicable to creating hats and mittens.
Materials needed:
- 65 yds non-superwash bulky wool or wool blend yarn
- Nålbinding needle (these can be purchased in class for $7)
Date & Time: 8/10, 2-5
Cost: $40