Lucet: Difference between revisions

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A '''lucet''' is a two pronged implement that makes some very nice [[braid]]s with multiple uses.
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, 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).
It mostly produces 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.


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.
It 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.


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 indicidual stitches or groups of stitches, or used as a [[gimp thread]] for decorative purpose. Beads can also be added either in straight rows or ooping around the braid in a helix pattern.


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 horn of the lucet as you make it.

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:
Instructions (including how to make 2 colour and beaded cords) are available at this page:

Revision as of 20:50, 31 October 2003

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/