Lucet

2006-05-11T15:09:56Z

Lanegs1:

A '''lucet''' is a two pronged implement that makes some very nice [[braid]]s with multiple uses. They were used from at least the [[16th century]] onwards, however some viking finds of manmade [[bone]] objects shaped like lucets have been used as evidence of [[viking]] use of this technique. No one has been able to prove the useage of the lucet between these two time periods yet, however finds of other [[braiding techniques]] including [[plaiting]] and [[fingerloop braids|fingerloop braiding]] have been documented between the [[10th century|10th]] and [[16th century|16th centuries]].

The [[lyre]]-shaped lucet is technically [[out of period]] (though prettier and easier to use). Instead, early lucets were generally a simple tube with prongs at the top ends (most finds being a hollowed, carved bone).

Lucets mostly produce square-profiled cords that are quite neat and nifty, and VERY tough (perfect for [[poynts]] or [[draw-strings]]), but use up a lot of [[thread]] to produce.

They can also make elliptical cross-section braid using the "twisted-stitch:" method that's pretty good for couching cord - as long as it's made with a fine fibre.

Braids can be made with multiple colours - either interchanging on individual stitches or groups of stitches, or used as a [[gimp thread]] for decorative purpose. Beads can also be added either in straight rows or looping around the braid in a helix pattern.

Braids made on a lucet need to be made from [[thread]] that can take a bit of abrasion, as the technique will cause the thread to rub against the horns of the lucet when the loop is pulled tight.
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Instructions (including how to make 2 colour and beaded cords) are available at this page:
http://www.stringpage.com/lucet/lucet.html

Instructions are also found at: http://kws.atlantia.sca.org/photos/lucet/ http://kws.atlantia.sca.org/photos/doublelucet/

Another excellent resource is the Lacis book:
"Lucet Braiding: Variations on a Renaissance cord" by Elaine Fuller
ISBN 18911656066

You can get a lucet from:
http://merchants-medieval.com/cockerel/

[[category:Braiding]]

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Lucet