Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Lucet - Making a Cord



Children love using the lucet -- it's easy and rhythmic! Similar to spool knitting, the action consists of creating loops from some type of fiber strand (yarn, string, etc.), and lifting loops off. It's a great way to introduce kids to fiber arts before learning how to knit or crochet, and it's also fun to try even if you are an advanced knitter.


Lucet dates back to the Viking era. They were commonly used throughout Europe until the 16th century. Since we've been covering the Middle Ages this year, it was the perfect time to pull out the lucet!


The resulting cord can be used to make jewelry, snakes, bodice lacing, cords for flute cases, purse handles, bookmarkers and more!

Having bobbins for your twine, yarn, cording or string is a nice option, especially if you end up using more than one fiber. Our favorite place to purchase wood lucets and bobbins is Griffin Dyeworks. Wonderful prices, great service, and quality lucets.


Having the lucet out for a couple of months in the "Dell" was a nice way to keep hands occupied or soothed, as needed. Everyone in the family did some lucetting at some point! The resulting cord made a beautiful bookmarker for our Norse mythology book.

A great way to start is by watching some YouTube videos. Here is our favorite tutorial video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5K7FiT2Og

If you learn to lucet, let us know about it!

12 comments:

Joy said...

The lucet looks really interesting. We bought Haba's knitting mushroom, but can't quite get the hang of it. :( Maybe we should try this!

Tan Family said...

Hi Joy! Personally, I think that lucet is even easier than knitting mushrooms. It's a great way to start learning fiber arts with younger kids. :)

suzanne said...

Hi Jennifer

I would love to try this. I struggle to get Aaron to knit. I am sure he would love the lucet. He is however finger knitting up a storm at the moment. Even the dog got a lead today..

Ps. I have finally found my way around becoming a follower of your blog. Thanks for the Etsy convo.

As always, I have left your blog inspired.

Have a lovely day.
Suzanne

Joy said...

Ok, so where would one find a lucet? Should I just google it or do you know a great place? Thanks!

Tan Family said...

The best place to get them is Griffin Dyeworks. Click on their name in the post and it should take you right to the page in their online shop that features lucets. They are only $8. Get a couple of bobbins, too. :)

Tahara said...

We have one of these and Keanu loves it...We put a really thick yarn on it and he is making a jump rope...

Anonymous said...

What a great post, anything to inspire fiber art with my children is something I am interested in!
The lucet itself is even beautiful!

Jen said...

I love the look of the lucet! Looks so ancient and inviting - will have to look for one at the retreat! Looking forward to meeting you guys and as always, your family is so inspirational! You need to write a book, girl!
:)

mamakopp said...

Hi there! I love this. Very inspiring. I like your blog too :)
And your toys!

Anonymous said...

That looks like a lot of fun and simple and repetitive so nice and easy to learn.

Lisa said...

Neat. I had no idea what a lucet was, thanks for sharing this. My girls would love this. Fauna really wants to learn to knit and I don't have a clue on how to do it. This would be a perfect tool to get her started.

-Lisa :)

Tan Family said...

Hi Lisa! Yes, this is easier than knitting and is a wonderful way to get little ones started on the concept of casting stitches on and off. The shape of the lucet looks like the horns of a ram or flower, so a lot of wonderful stories can be told while lucetting.