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{{Short description|Tool for making cords or braids}}
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[[File:Lucet.JPG|thumb|Wooden, lyre-shaped lucet, with in-progress square cord.]]
{{otheruses}}
A '''lucet''' is a tool used in cordmaking or [[braiding]] which is believed to date back to the [[Viking]]<ref name="Pettersson">Pettersson, Kerstin (1968) En gotländsk kvinnas dräkt. Kring ett textilfynd från
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[[File:Lucet.JPG|thumb|Wooden, lyre-shaped lucet, with in-progress square cord]]
vikingatiden. ''TOR'' 12 pp. 174–200</ref> and [[Medieval]]<ref name="MacGregor">MacGregor, Arthur 1985.
''Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: The Technology of Skeletal Materials since the Roman Period.'' (London: Croom Helm)</ref> periods, when it was utilized to create cords that were used on clothing,<ref name="Pettersson" /> or to hang useful items from the belt.<ref name="flightsoffancy">Text from the leaflet included with a [http://www.flightsoffancy.co.uk/index.php?page=PRO&COD=LUCET lucet kit] by Flights of Fancy</ref><ref name="Groves">Groves, Sylvia 1966. ''The History of Needlework Tools and Accessories'' (Middlesex: Hamlyn Publishing)</ref> Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy. It closely resembles [[knitting|knitted]] I-cord or the cord produced on a knitting spool. Lucet cord is formed by a series of loops, and will therefore unravel if cut. Unlike other braiding techniques such as [[kumihimo]], [[fingerloop braid | finger-loop braiding]] or [[braiding|plaiting]], where the threads are of a finite length, lucetted braids can be created without pre-measuring threads and so it is a technique suited for very long cords.
A '''lucet''' is a tool used in cordmaking or [[braiding]] which is believed to date back to the [[Viking]]<ref name="Pettersson">{{cite journal |last=Pettersson |first=Kerstin |title=En gotländsk kvinnas dräkt. Kring ett textilfynd från vikingatiden. |language=sv |location=Uppsala |publisher=Societas Archaelogica Upsaliensis |journal=TOR |issue=12 |date=1968 |pages=174-200}}</ref> and [[Medieval]]<ref name="MacGregor">{{cite book |last=MacGregor |first=Arthur |date=1985 |title=Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: The Technology of Skeletal Materials since the Roman Period. |location=London |publisher=Croom Helm}}</ref> periods, when it was used to create cords that were used on clothing,<ref name="Pettersson" /> or to hang items from the belt.<ref name="Groves">{{cite book |last=Groves |first=Sylvia |date=1966 |title=The History of Needlework Tools and Accessories |location=Middlesex |publisher=Hamlyn Publishing}}</ref> Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy. It closely resembles [[knitting|knitted]] [[I-cord]] or the cord produced on a [[Spool knitting|knitting spool]]. Lucet may unravel if cut, but is easily fixed with a small knot. Unlike other braiding techniques such as {{transl|ja|[[kumihimo]]}}, [[fingerloop braid|finger-loop braiding]] or [[braiding|plaiting]], where the threads are of a finite length, lucetted (or knitted){{efn|The term ''lucet'' is used as a verb to describe the process of creating lucet cord, as in "to lucet", "lucetted" and "lucetting", as well as being a noun used to describe the resulting cord itself, and a noun used to describe the tool used in the cords' creation.}} braids can be created without pre-measuring threads and so it is a technique suited for very long cords.


Archaeological finds and a literary description of lucets strongly suggest that its' use declined after the 12th century,<ref name="MacGregor" /> but was revived in the 17th century.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary. See: ''Lucet obs.''</ref>. Its use waned again in the early 19th century.<ref name="Groves" />
Archaeological finds and a literary description of lucets strongly suggest that its use declined after the 12th century,<ref name="MacGregor" /> but was revived in the 17th century.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary. See: ''Lucet obs.''</ref> Its use waned again in the early 19th century.<ref name="Groves" />


A modern lucet fork, like that pictured, is normally made of wood, with two prongs at one end and a handle on the other. It may also have a hole through which the cord can be pulled. Medieval lucets, in contrast, appear to be double-pronged, straight-sided implements, often made of bone.<ref name="Graham-Campbell">Graham-Campbell, James and Kidd, Dafydd 1980. ''The Vikings'' (London : British Museum Publications Limited.) Plate 25.</ref> Some were shaped from hollowed bones, left tubular, presumably so that the cord could be drawn through the centre hole.<ref name="MacGregor" />
A modern lucet fork is normally made of wood, with two prongs at one end and a handle on the other. It may also have a hole through which the cord can be pulled. Medieval lucets, in contrast, appear to be double-pronged, straight-sided implements, often made of bone. Some were shaped from hollowed bones, left tubular, presumably so that the cord could be drawn through the centre hole.<ref name="MacGregor" />


==Creating lucet braids==
==Construction of lucet braid==
<gallery mode=packed heights=200>
The only tools necessary to lucet are a length of [[yarn]] and a lucet fork, also called a lucet or a chain fork. However, one can also use skewer-like sticks to pull the yarn over in addition to this. Lucets can be bought in shops as kits that are designed for children.
File:Lucet from the Arkéos museum.JPG|10th-century lucet spool from northern France
Lucetting, 1 (cropped).png
Lucetting, 2 (cropped).png
</gallery>
A number of techniques exist for the creation of lucet cord, all of which produce slightly different cords; it is possible to produce a two-coloured cord by using two strands of differently-coloured yarn. The only materials necessary to lucet are [[yarn]] and a lucet fork, also known as a chain fork or a lucet. Skewer-like sticks or [[knitting needles]] can be used to pull the yarn over as an additional tool. Lucets can be bought in shops as kits designed for children.


To cast on, the yarn is put through the hole in the lucet from the front, and the yarn in front of the lucet is wound around the prongs twice in a figure-of-eight. The two lower loops are then lifted over the two upper loops using either the fingers or a stick until they come over the horns, and the thread behind the lucet is pulled to tighten the knot. The process is then repeated, but this time only winding the yarn once around the prongs, as there is already a figure-of-eight on the fork. When the desired length is reached, the lucet can be cast off by carefully lifting the loops off the prongs, passing the remaining thread through them and pulling the knot tight.<ref name="flightsoffancy"/> Any loose thread can be cut off with scissors or tied together to form a closed circle. The cord can be wrapped around the lucet handle as it grows.
To cast on, the yarn is put through the hole in the lucet from the front, and the yarn in front of the lucet is wound around the prongs twice, in a figure-of-eight motion. The two lower loops are then lifted over the two upper loops, using either the fingers or a stick, until they are lifted over the 'horns' of the lucet fork, after which the thread behind the lucet is pulled to tighten the knot. The process is then repeated, this time (and every time after) winding the yarn just once around the prongs, as there is already a figure-of-eight of yarn on the fork.


When the desired length of lucet cord is reached, the lucet can be cast off by carefully lifting the loops off the prongs, passing the remaining thread through them, and pulling the knot tight. Any loose thread can be cut off with scissors, or tied together to form a closed circle. The cord can be wrapped around the lucet handle as it grows.
Note that this is only one technique. There are many techniques used for making lucet, all of which produce slightly different cords. It is also possible to produce a two-coloured cord by using two strands of yarn.


Lucet cord can be used for decorative edging, draw-strings, [[textile closures|lacing]], and any other use where a strong [[rope|cord]] is needed.
Lucet cord can be used for decorative edging, draw-strings, [[textile closures|lacing]], and any other use where a strong [[rope|cord]] is needed.


<gallery mode=packed>
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==References==
Lucet in the Norwegian museum Anno Musea i Nord-Østerdalen.jpg
<references/>
Lucet Norsk Folkemuseum 01.jpg
Lucet Norsk Folkemuseum 02.jpg
Lucets in the Norwegian museum Anno Musea i Nord-Østerdalen.jpg
Slynggaffel.svg
</gallery>


==See also==
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{{Decorative arts}}
*[[Spool knitting]], more general, with two or more horns.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

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==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.lrcrafts.it/lucet-cordmaking-history/ History of the lucet]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5K7FiT2Og YouTube Instructional Video]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5K7FiT2Og YouTube instructional video]
* [http://kws.atlantia.sca.org/photos/lucet/ Lesson on how to lucet]
* [http://kws.atlantia.sca.org/photos/lucet/ Lesson on how to lucet]
* [http://kws.atlantia.sca.org/photos/doublelucet/ Lesson on how to double-lucet]
* [http://kws.atlantia.sca.org/photos/doublelucet/ Lesson on how to double-lucet]
* [http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/knittingnancys.html A page on knitting nancies, a descendant of the lucet.]
* [https://www.lrcrafts.it/10-easy-lucet-projects/ A list of projects to make with the lucet]
* [http://www.thelucet.co.uk/index.htm The home of Advanced lucetting.]
* [http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/knittingnancys.html A page on knitting nancies, a descendant of the lucet]
* [http://www.thelucet.co.uk/index.htm The home of advanced lucetting]

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{{Decorative arts}}

[[Category:Braids]]
[[Category:Braids]]
[[Category:Decorative ropework]]
[[Category:Decorative ropework]]

Latest revision as of 02:24, 20 June 2024

For other uses, see Lucet (disambiguation).
Wooden, lyre-shaped lucet, with in-progress square cord

A lucet is a tool used in cordmaking or braiding which is believed to date back to the Viking[1] and Medieval[2] periods, when it was used to create cords that were used on clothing,[1] or to hang items from the belt.[3] Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy. It closely resembles knitted I-cord or the cord produced on a knitting spool. Lucet may unravel if cut, but is easily fixed with a small knot. Unlike other braiding techniques such as kumihimo, finger-loop braiding or plaiting, where the threads are of a finite length, lucetted (or knitted)[a] braids can be created without pre-measuring threads and so it is a technique suited for very long cords.

Archaeological finds and a literary description of lucets strongly suggest that its use declined after the 12th century,[2] but was revived in the 17th century.[4] Its use waned again in the early 19th century.[3]

A modern lucet fork is normally made of wood, with two prongs at one end and a handle on the other. It may also have a hole through which the cord can be pulled. Medieval lucets, in contrast, appear to be double-pronged, straight-sided implements, often made of bone. Some were shaped from hollowed bones, left tubular, presumably so that the cord could be drawn through the centre hole.[2]

Construction of lucet braid

[edit]
  • 10th-century lucet spool from northern France
    10th-century lucet spool from northern France

A number of techniques exist for the creation of lucet cord, all of which produce slightly different cords; it is possible to produce a two-coloured cord by using two strands of differently-coloured yarn. The only materials necessary to lucet are yarn and a lucet fork, also known as a chain fork or a lucet. Skewer-like sticks or knitting needles can be used to pull the yarn over as an additional tool. Lucets can be bought in shops as kits designed for children.

To cast on, the yarn is put through the hole in the lucet from the front, and the yarn in front of the lucet is wound around the prongs twice, in a figure-of-eight motion. The two lower loops are then lifted over the two upper loops, using either the fingers or a stick, until they are lifted over the 'horns' of the lucet fork, after which the thread behind the lucet is pulled to tighten the knot. The process is then repeated, this time (and every time after) winding the yarn just once around the prongs, as there is already a figure-of-eight of yarn on the fork.

When the desired length of lucet cord is reached, the lucet can be cast off by carefully lifting the loops off the prongs, passing the remaining thread through them, and pulling the knot tight. Any loose thread can be cut off with scissors, or tied together to form a closed circle. The cord can be wrapped around the lucet handle as it grows.

Lucet cord can be used for decorative edging, draw-strings, lacing, and any other use where a strong cord is needed.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The term lucet is used as a verb to describe the process of creating lucet cord, as in "to lucet", "lucetted" and "lucetting", as well as being a noun used to describe the resulting cord itself, and a noun used to describe the tool used in the cords' creation.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Pettersson, Kerstin (1968). "En gotländsk kvinnas dräkt. Kring ett textilfynd från vikingatiden". TOR (in Swedish) (12). Uppsala: Societas Archaelogica Upsaliensis: 174–200.
  2. ^ a b c MacGregor, Arthur (1985). Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: The Technology of Skeletal Materials since the Roman Period. London: Croom Helm.
  3. ^ a b Groves, Sylvia (1966). The History of Needlework Tools and Accessories. Middlesex: Hamlyn Publishing.
  4. ^ Oxford English Dictionary. See: Lucet obs.
[edit]
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