The Challenge: Terminology
What is it? A needlebinded pair of socks
Fabric: 100 % organic wool, from norway – Sandes Garn
Pattern: Selfdrafted with inspiration from archaeological finds.
Year: Viking age and early medieval Scandinavia.
Notions: Made with a custom made bone needle.
How historically accurate is it? This is very accurate. There is a lot of finds from Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia. If I should make this more accurate I would need to find some hand dyed wool.
Hours to complete: 5 hours
First worn: Right now! This is the best socks to keep your cold feet warm!
Total cost: About $10 USD
How old the history of needlebinding goes back, I am not sure of. But it seems to be a part of the Scandinavian culture a long time before the start of the viking age.
I do not know where this picture is from. But i need to share it so you can get an idea of which model I am making, B.
This sock was found in Uppsala 1961, but is dated to early medieval time: read more here
Wanna learn more? Here is a german blog, where you can learn most of the basics. I must say I am a fan 🙂
Literature:
Mellegren, Nusse: Nålbinding – The easiest, clearest ever guide, 2008.
Hald, M.: Olddanske tekstiler (Ancient Danish Textiles from bogs and burials), 1950.
They look very comfy. 🙂 Where did you get the needle made?
I bought mine on a medieval market in Denmark. But they can be found on Etsy 🙂
Very nice. 🙂
I always enjoy reading about archeology — I had never heard of needle binding, though. Thank you for sending me in a new direction!
No Problem 🙂 There is so many hidden and forgotten crafts out there!
These look great! And they only took 5 hours to make! This needle binding is very cool! I had never heard of it either but there are many good videos to show you how to do it. This is another good link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcuUqeKQZ5Q
I am glad I showed you something new 😀
Have you tried it yet?