Sally Pointer on Nalbinding
Please can you tell us a bit about the history of nalbinding and how you came across the craft?
I was first introduced to nalbinding over 30 years ago when I was a member of an early medieval re-enactment society whilst at university. The technique really appealed to both the lifelong crafter in me and the archaeology I was studying. Although I started with forms we can see in 10th century examples, nalbinding has a much longer history that starts with prehistoric evidence for textiles and ‘knotless nets’ made using plant fibres and a looping technique over 8000 years ago. As we move forwards in time, it changes to keep up with new materials, such as the development of woolly coated sheep, and an increasing number of stitches are found as the years go past. It is found right around the world too, with examples on all continents with a textile tradition.
What are the main differences between nalbinding and knitting?
Nalbinding is more closely related to knotting, with each stitch needing to be drawn completely through the previous one creating a very stable structure, unlike knitting and crochet which pull loops through loops, resulting in something that will unravel if pulled during working.
What is your top piece of advice for people to give it a try?
Try it with a piece of yarn and a needle in hand. Instructions for nalbinding can sometimes seem very complex at first, but take it one step at a time, trying it as you go, and it usually works out, especially if you start with the oldest forms of simple looping and move steadily towards the thumb tensioned stitches with lots of loops.
Do you have a favourite design that you have worked on?
I have a real soft spot for looping around a core, often called Tybrind Vig stitch because it bridges textiles and basketry forms so well. Work it in something fine and flexible, and you have a robust textile, switch to heavy cordage and you can make a tough basket with real structural possibilities. Using a technique where you make the cord as you create the basket also appeals to me, you know you have exactly the right amount of material that way!
Are you able to share details of new projects that you are working on?
As well as teaching nalbinding and other early textile techniques such as sprang at heritage sites around the country (and abroad) this year, I’m also hard at work on a new book which traces the history and archaeology of nets and net making from the earliest evidence to modern forms, all through a wide variety of practical projects.
