Nålbinding.

Nålbinding is a fiber looping technique that is widely seen across the continents, centuries and ages of technological development.  The earliest nålbound piece discovered thus far is from Israel and dates back to 10,000 years ago.  The technique was widely used during the Viking era to create warm, dense garments and accessories that would withstand hard wear and provide warmth when wet, as well as to create delicate wearables.  The craft is alive and well in Scandinavia and other areas today, and there are artists who are passionate about preserving this ancient technique.  

The inspiration for embellishing nålbinding needles and designing limited edition Norse gnomes came during a road trip across Sweden and Norway in 2019.  I was introduced to nålbinding at the Viking Alive! museum in Stockholm where a young lady was demonstrating the technique.  I was fascinated and decided to learn more. Later, at the Gamla Uppsala Viking mounds site, I acquired not only a book published in English with instructions, but nålbinding needles.  Thus began my quest to master this ancient form of fiber arts that was no doubt practiced by generations of my Swedish ancestors, and also to add runic embellishments to the needles I had purchased for my personal use. They bring me joy each time I use them.

Click here to browse our collection of nalbound wearables, tools, and kits in our online shop.