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Nålebinding is a Scandinavian needle art, similar to knitting. Unlike
knitting, a nåleginding can only be done with short lengths of yarn, of 18
to 36 inches, because you have to draw all of your yarn through each loop.
The lengths will then be joined together as necessary by splicing or
knotting. All the stitches shown in the instructions are done loosely for
clarification.
Stitches can be described using "U" for under, "O" for over and "/" for
the point in the path where the yarn switches from moving deeper into the
previous stitches to moving back out towards the edge of the work. Two
examples are shown below with a "O/UO" stitch on the left and the "UU/OOO"
stitch on the right |
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Basic Stitching:
To
learn the basics start with a straight row of stitching using the O/UO
pattern. Start by making a loop in the yarn |
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With the loose end of the yarn to the right, put the needle through the
loop from the front, over the lower part of the loop. Then under the upper
part of the loop and over the loose end of the yarn. |
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Repeat the stitches going to the left over the lower part of the loop,
then turning right, under the upper part of the loop and over the loose
end of the yarn. Notice you are following the pattern described as O/UO. |
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Make sure your loops stay flat and in the same direction. Tighten your
loops to the desired size (loose loops are used in diagrams for
clarification). Continue making stitches until desired length is obtained.
Below is a diagram of a row of stitches. |
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| Stitching in a
Circle:
Start with a loop of yarn for a foundation for your stitches. |
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Make a stitch using the O/UO pattern, but go through the foundation loop
from the front to back, before making your first stitch. |
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Make a second stitch, again going through the foundation loop from the
front to back, then work the rest of the stitch, going over-under-over
your previous stitch. This is the process you will also use for picking up
the previous row. |
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After you have a few stitches on the foundation loop, pull the end to
tighten the foundation loop. |
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Continue your
stitches, but this time instead of picking up the foundation loop, pick up
a loop from the first row of stitches.
To increase the
number of stitches, make two stitches into one stitch from the previous
row.
To decrease the
number of stitches, make one stitch and pick up two stitches from the
previous row. |
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Advanced
Stitches:
Advanced
stitches you may want to try are UO/UOO (below left), UU/OOO (below
right), and UOO/UUOO (below bottom). |
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