Nålbinding is a fiber looping technique that is widely seen across the continents, centuries, and ages of technological development. The earliest nålbinding piece discovered thus far is from Israel and dates back 10,000 years predating knitting and crocheting by 7,000 years. The technique was widely used during the Viking era to create warm, dense garments and accessories that would withstand hard, prolonged use on the open seas, and provide warmth when wet, as well as to create more delicate wearables. The craft is alive and well in Scandinavia and other areas today, and there are artists and historical re-enactment enthusiasts worldwide who are passionate about preserving this ancient technique.

I was introduced to naalbinding at The Viking Museum in Stockholm where a young lady was demonstrating the technique. As a retired archaeologist, I was fascinated and decided to learn more. Later, at the Gamla Uppsala Viking mounds site, I acquired not only an instruction book published in English, but bone nålbinding needles. Thus began my quest to master this ancient form of fiber art that was no doubt practiced by generations of my Swedish ancestors.

With the help of the instruction book I had acquired, and the time afforded by the long car ride across Sweden and Norway to Bergen, I was able to learn the basics of the technique. Sadly, I created many wrist warmers, no two of which were the same size.

NÅLBINDING WORKSHOPS

Currently, I offer half-day nålbinding workshops in my Santa Fe studio that are self-paced with individualized instruction. Material covered includes a brief history; yarn and needle choices; yarn joining; starting and ending; step-by-step guided instructions for learning two basic stitches, and more. Tuition includes practice fiber, text/graphic instructions, a beautiful handmade nålbinding needle, my custom nålbinding tool kit, and more. WORKSHOPS ARE LIMITED TO 3 STUDENTS.

To browse our selection of nålbound wearables, accessories and nålbinding tools, please visit our on-line store.

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