A lucet is a tool used in cordmaking or braiding, which is believed to date back to the Viking and Medieval periods, when it was used to create cords used on clothing. Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy, closly resembling a knitted i-cord. Lucet cord is formed by a series of loop-like knots, and therefore will not unravel if cut.
To cast on, the yarn is put through the hole in the lucet from the front, and the yarn in front of the lucet is wound around the prongs twice in a figure-of-eight. The two lower loops are then lifted over the two upper loops using either the fingers or a stick until they come over the horns, and the thread behind the lucet is pulled to tighten the knot. The process is then repeated, but this time only winding the yarn once around the prongs, as there is already a figure-of-eight on the fork. When the desired length is reached, the lucet can be cast off by carefully lifting the loops off the prongs, passing the remaining thread through them and pulling the knot tight. Any loose thread can be cut off with scissors or tied together to form a closed circle. The cord can be wrapped around the lucet handle as it grows.
Note that this is only one technique. There are many techniques used for making lucet, all of which produce slightly different cords. It is also possible to produce a two-coloured cord by using two strands of yarn.
Lucet cord can be used for decorative edging, draw-stringles, lacing and any other use where a strong cord is needed.
Made from locally sourced wood and sanded by-hand in the Katrinkles studio in Rhode Island.
