Discover the practical and functional styles of Viking clothing and the intricate techniques used to personalise their garments with decorative detail.
From the wealth of archaeological evidence in textile fragments and other finds, we can say that the Viking Age was a colourful period in woollen textiles. I refer to woollen textiles here as plant-based textiles such as flax and hemp linens are extremely rare finds due to their faster and easier decomposition.
"Wool in the Viking Era, Part 3: Dyes & Dyeing"Continue reading
The importance of spinning and weaving in Nordic society is reflected in its integration into Norse mythology; from the Norns of fate spinning destiny to the practice of Seiðr. The word ‘Norn’ itself is derived from the proto-Germanic for ‘twine’, while the idea of the smørkatt or snakkur, a small magical creature which steals milk is depicted in Norway and Sweden as a ball of yarn, and as a spindle with yarn in Finland.
"Wool in the Viking Era, Part 2: Spinning & Weaving"Continue reading
Introduction Nålebinding is one of the oldest forms of meshing yarns, and is a precursor to modern knitting and crochet. The naalbinding technique has been used as far back as the Paleolithic period. Nalbound items include a great variety of knitted fabrics from fishing nets have been found dating back to 6500BC, hats in the...
"The Use of Nålebinding in the Viking Era"Continue reading
Wool was as much, if not more the key to the success of the Vikings as their ships. Without wool they would not have had sails for their ships, clothing to keep their sailors both warm and dry, and a product with which to trade.
"Wool in the Viking Era, Part 1: Sheep"Continue reading
