Historic Folk Toys: Craft, 'Lucet'
Lucet
Our Lucet package includes a 6-1/2 inch lucet made of hardwood, cotton yarn for a beginner, illustrated instructions, and history. The directions in our kit show how this simple craft tool makes a single-strand, braided cord that was used in many Early American and Victorian-era homes.
Historical Background: The lucet is used to make a square braid much like that of the spool knitter. Yarn or pearl cotton is the choice for beginners but silk thread or floss is sometimes preferred by advanced workers. Once the basic technique is learned, intricate patterns with two or three different colored threads and twisted stitches can be employed. The possibilities are endless. The end product can be used for drawstring bags, decorative cording on jackets, button loops, lacing for clothing, or anything one can imagine!
A lucet is a small handheld tool used to make a braided cord. It is sometimes referred to as a "lucet fork" or "chain fork." It is shaped like a miniature lyre with a small hole in the center. The resulting cord can be simple or, with more technique, a fancier cord can be produced. The lucet is thought to have been used during the Viking era as archeological research has discovered man-made bone objects shaped like lucets. This craft tool was commonly used in Europe during the 16th century, and most women would have had one in their own sewing basket. When machine-made cords came into use during the 1830s, use of the lucet diminished. This small tool has had a few popular revivals, first in the mid-19th century and then later during the Edwardian era (1901-1910). There is more lucet information available today than ever before and because of this, the lucet is making yet another comeback.
Lucets have been made of natural materials such as bone, wood, or horn (which was usually used by less-affluent families). Wealthier women had fancy lucets made from ivory, tortoise-shell, or mother of pearl. Some surviving examples of lucets have beautiful metal inlays, with steel being a favorite at the end of the 18th century.
PACKAGE DIMENSIONS - 4.25 x 8.5 x 0.5"
Our Lucet package includes a 6-1/2 inch lucet made of hardwood, cotton yarn for a beginner, illustrated instructions, and history. The directions in our kit show how this simple craft tool makes a single-strand, braided cord that was used in many Early American and Victorian-era homes.
Historical Background: The lucet is used to make a square braid much like that of the spool knitter. Yarn or pearl cotton is the choice for beginners but silk thread or floss is sometimes preferred by advanced workers. Once the basic technique is learned, intricate patterns with two or three different colored threads and twisted stitches can be employed. The possibilities are endless. The end product can be used for drawstring bags, decorative cording on jackets, button loops, lacing for clothing, or anything one can imagine!
A lucet is a small handheld tool used to make a braided cord. It is sometimes referred to as a "lucet fork" or "chain fork." It is shaped like a miniature lyre with a small hole in the center. The resulting cord can be simple or, with more technique, a fancier cord can be produced. The lucet is thought to have been used during the Viking era as archeological research has discovered man-made bone objects shaped like lucets. This craft tool was commonly used in Europe during the 16th century, and most women would have had one in their own sewing basket. When machine-made cords came into use during the 1830s, use of the lucet diminished. This small tool has had a few popular revivals, first in the mid-19th century and then later during the Edwardian era (1901-1910). There is more lucet information available today than ever before and because of this, the lucet is making yet another comeback.
Lucets have been made of natural materials such as bone, wood, or horn (which was usually used by less-affluent families). Wealthier women had fancy lucets made from ivory, tortoise-shell, or mother of pearl. Some surviving examples of lucets have beautiful metal inlays, with steel being a favorite at the end of the 18th century.
PACKAGE DIMENSIONS - 4.25 x 8.5 x 0.5"