Viking knit is a type of wire weaving that creates a unique knitted or braided appearance. It is believed to have been used by the Vikings to create chains for jewelry and other decorative items. Here are the basic steps for creating a Viking knit chain:
Materials needed:
- Wire (copper, silver, or gold)
- Viking knit tool or drawplate
- Round nose pliers
- Wire cutters
Instructions:
1. Cut a length of wire to the desired length of your chain. It is recommended to start with a shorter length (such as 12 inches) until you become more comfortable with the technique.
2. Use round nose pliers to form a small loop at one end of the wire.
3. Insert the end of the wire through the hole in the Viking knit tool or drawplate, leaving the loop outside the hole.
4. Use your fingers to hold the wire against the tool and begin to rotate the tool clockwise to create a tight coil around the wire.
5. Once you have coiled the entire length of wire around the tool, use wire cutters to trim the excess wire.
6. Slide the coil off the tool and gently pull the loop through the center of the coil. This will create a knitted or braided appearance.
7. Repeat the coiling and pulling process until you have the desired length of chain.
Note: It is recommended to use a soft wire such as copper or silver, as harder wires may not be as pliable and could damage the tool. Additionally, you can add beads or other embellishments to your chain by stringing them onto the wire before coiling.
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