Lucet

A lucet is a two pronged implement that makes some very nice braids with multiple uses. They were used from at least the 16th century onwards, the earliest examples coming from Scandanavia.

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 as the loop is pulled tight.

Instructions (including how to make 2 colour and beaded cords) are available at this page: http://www.stringpage.com/old/lucet.html

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/