TOOL, NEEDLE

NALBINDNING is an ancient hand craft using a needle and thread to create garments, a technique which predated both knitting and crochet. Archaeological examples of garments found in Scandinavia, Peru and the Balkans.

This is a replica of an ancient nalbindning needle found in Norway. Needles were made of wood, antler or bone.

This plastic needle was bought in the Viking Museum in Oslo, Norway in 2016.

Using short pieces of wool, the needle was used to create fabric for sturdy, warm and serviceable garments, hats and mittens for cold climate. Technique remains popular in Scandinavian countries and the Balkans.

(b) Instruction booklet in English and Norwegian on NALBINDNING, Musse Mellgren, 2014