Cords and Ties
Before modern fasteners cords of all makes were used in everyday life on many articles from the kitchen to the barn. Skirts were gathered up with them, shoes were laced, many types of bags used cords; in fact knitting various cords was part of the workbasket load. From early times the lucet was a fast and easy way to make these cords (and ropes), forming a knit-like chain length that is strong. Typically made of fine, polished wood, the lucet can be bought today, or you can try it on a hairpin lace hook, which is what I do. It's easy, and once you get the rhythm you can turn out inches of it in no time. For the illustrated technique go to: http://www.duke.edu/~scg3/lucet.html Here you will find the basic lucet cord plus beautiful beaded cording.
The i-cord, a popular modern method was actually pictured in Victorian needlework books and again, is quickly done -- this time on two short double-point needles. It was used to make knitted shoelaces with black shiny crochet thread on fine steel needles. For the i-cord cast on 4 or 5 stitches. Knit. Slide stitches back to beginning, pull on yarn and knit them again. Repeat this and a lovely round stocking stitch cord emerges. Bobbles etc can be added as you go along. Use your imagination to form designs with this and sew down onto finished items. I also have a free pattern for a lurex gold snake pin using the i-cord.
Spool knitting, a child's delight in Victorian times is also being revived for snazzy trims on garments and kitchen accessories. Also known as French knitting, knitting Nancy, knitting nana, knitting dolly and peg knitting. We all know this from our own childhood when it was done on a wooden cotton reel with four pin nails hammered in. Look for my upcoming pattern you can make for the winter festivities.
Cords of course can also be crocheted - here is one example you might like to do:
With 8ply wool (worsted, double knit) and a 4.50mm hook, make a slip loop. Yarn over hook and draw through loop, insert hook into first loop made, yarn over hook and draw through loop, yoh and draw through both loops on hook. Turn work. Insert hook from right to left into the small loop on the left-hand side, yoh and draw through a loop, yoh and draw through both loops on hook. Turn work. *Insert hook from right to left into the two loops on the left-hand side, yoh and draw through a loop, yoh and draw through both loops on hook. Turn work.* Repeat from * to * for length of braid. This is an attractive trim. For something simple just crochet a chain of desired length and work back along but only into the bump on the underside of the chain and not through the chain as usual.
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