?While visiting the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this year, I purchased a Lucet.? A Lucet is an ancient weaving tool dating back to the time of the Vikings.? It was used then and now to make a strong square cord, intended for? tying, lacing and decoration.??
I purchased my lucet from the Stephen Willette company.? It is made of? walnut hardwood and smooth to the touch.? Paying attention to the demonstration, I could see many uses for this tool.? The demonstrator explained how to use the lucet to braid a cord of wool roving too.? I certainly have plenty of wool roving!? And yarn and string, and cord.? After all, I am a craft supply hoarder.? I had visions of me making beautiful cording from my stash.
Since it is small and portable, I took it with me the next day on a car trip.? I was able to follow the picture diagrams and begin cording.? Here are some photos of the steps to take when beginning a cord.
?Thread the lucet as shown.? The fork on the right has one loop on it.? Pick up that loop and pull it over the leading thread coming from the left.? Pull tight to the right.? Then turn the fork clockwise and repeat.? Continue turning the lucet clockwise after each stitch.?
also, check the diagrams on this site, Finniwig Studios
The only thing I didn’t like was that my cords were loose and floppy looking.? I wanted tight strong cords.
I did some research and realized that while my mechanics were correct, my technique needed improvement.? Like with crochet and knitting, you need to get into a rhythm and find a tension that is comfortable for you. ?
So, while my first attempts at cords are not exactly what I would like to see, I went ahead and kept making cords.? Hopefully, soon, my cords will be tighter and more formed.? Until then, I will enjoy the process of learning a new handcraft.? It is relaxing and makes a cord in no time at all.
I went ahead and finished a few cords and they are improving.? I had some charms so I added the charms to one of the cords to make a bracelet. ? If you have used a lucet, tell me about it!? And I would be happy to hear any tips you have for me, to make my cords better.
This is the first time I’ve heard of a lucet.Your bracelet is so neat. Now I really want to try this! Hmmm…I wonder if my brother could make me one?
Thanks Sarah! I imagine it would be fairly easy to make something to use making this type of cord. Let me know if you get something that works!
janet
Hi Janet,
I *also* purchased a lucet at MS&W from the Stephen Willette company! I haven’t really used mine for anything substantial yet – I purchased it because I was so impressed with the way it worked up roving that I had to have it. Right now I’m trying to use it to work the neckline of Lollyknits’ Katniss Cowl instead of using polyester rope and wrapping it in yarn.
Playing around with my lucet, I found that by using my left forefinger & thumb to keep the cord centered between the posts, especially when turning the lucet, seemed to help keep the tension even.
I’d love to see what you do with it!
That sounds much better for the cowl neckline. I have used the lucet to make cords for various small pieces. It’s fun to use but I still need a lot of practice