Nalbinding: York Stitch
Nalbinding: York Stitch with Laura Berlage
A fascinating technique dating back at least to the Bronze Age, “nalbinding” (needle binding or knotless netting) technique uses a single, wooden needle and yarn to create a stretchy fabric that predates the invention of knitting or crochet. This class focuses on the York Stitch, which was recreated from a slipper fragment excavated in York, UK! The amazing feature of this technique is how much the textile changes when stretched horizontally or vertically. Explore and master the York stitch with two projects from one skein of yarn, creating a cowl and twisted headband sized just for you.
The accompanying kit includes a hand-crafted ash nalbinding needle made by the instructor’s sister from local wood and a skein of DK weight wool from their family farm’s sheep. Visit https://northstarhomestead.com/product-category/fiber-loft/yarn-fiber-loft/dk-yarn/ to view the wide range of colors available. Lighter colors are easier to see when working this technique.
Course Overview
3 2-Hour Sessions, a week apart with homework between sessions
Week 1: Mastering making a chain and picking up the first row.
Week 2: Spit splicing, working consecutive rows, and managing tension
Week 3: Special assembly of the twisted headband and the connecting row for the cowl.
This small group class is presented in collaboration with John C. Campbell Folk School and Lessonface. Participants should enroll at least two weeks before start to ensure materials kits arrive in time. If registering after this point, your kit may arrive after the first session. Students are invited to attend an optional Orientation and Closing Ceremony to connect with various online Folk School classes.
Class Materials
Your class registration fee includes a materials kit with a value of $80 shipped to your door. Residents outside the USA will pay the difference in shipping.
The kit includes:
• Wool yarn in project color of your choice
• Hand crafted ash nalbinding needle
• PDF download of detailed instructions with pictures
• Access to a dedicated recorded tutorial showing the technique
Students will also want to provide:
• A tapestry needle for finishing the headband
• Tape measure
Skill Level
No previous experience necessary.
Contact the Teacher
Send a direct message from the teacher's profile page with any questions you might have about the class.
About the John C. Campbell Folk School & Lessonface
Since 1925, the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina has transformed lives, and brought people together in a nurturing environment for experiences in learning and community life that spark self-discovery. Since 2012, Lessonface has connected more than 30,000 students with over 2,500 great teachers for live music, language, and arts lessons online, delivering on our mission to help students achieve their goals while treating teachers equitably.
When
The class will meet for three weekly 2-hour live online sessions.
Enrolled students receive 60-day access to the video recordings of the classes.
How It Works
Enroll above to save your spot in the class. Lessonface will send you a confirmation right away, and a Zoom link 24 hours before the class start time. You can log into your Lessonface dashboard to access class materials, communicate with your instructor, join the live Zoom session, and access the class recordings and chat transcript afterward.
Refund Policy: To cancel an enrollment or request a refund, contact [email protected]. For 30+ days before, we refund 95%. Between 30 and 5 days, receive a 75% refund. No refunds within 5 days of class start date. Materials kit fees are non-refundable.
Book 1:1 online lessons with Laura Berlage on their Lessonface profile.
Laura Berlage
Laura is a contemporary Renaissance woman living and working on her family’s century-old homestead farm outside Hayward, WI. From fiber arts to creative writing, music to storytelling, she never tires of the magic of transforming idea into form and overlapping narrative and visual.