Spool Knitting
Spool knitting by Angie This is a very old craft that can be used to make many items – from lanyards, flowers and keyrings, to hats. Children often find it engaging, but it is be an easy and relaxing hobby for anyone. And once learned, the technique can be applied to similar forms of knitting. Also known as corking, French knitting (English knitting in France), or mushroom knitting, at its simplest, this craft uses a basic wood or plastic spool, with a hole down the centre and an array of pins on the top. Lucets, which were invented by the Vikings, are the historical origin of this kind of knitting. They are made of wood and have two arm-like horns. They are used to make strong, flat braid. Spool knitters make round braid. The working technique is the same. Spools knitters can be made of old wooden cotton thread reels with four nails hammered into the top. Round-headed finishing nails or cotter pins can also be used. The centre channel should be sanded or filed, so that the yarn doesn't catch. A large wooden bead, with one end cut down slightly, can also be used. Several toy and craft companies make plastic or wood knitters. They usually have between three and six pins and come equipped with a knitting tool, usually made of metal. Larger versions of knitters, with dozens of pins, are made of plastic or wood, either round, rectangular or in an “S” shape, and are called loom knitters. The knitting technique is the same for all and they're used to make circular or longer items, such as scarves, sweaters and afghans.
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