Tutorial Please? Viking Knit Chain

[Heidi von Frozenfyre]

I've asked a few times, but I've gotten no response so I'll post it here.

If someone would kindly send or give me a tutorial on the Viking Knit Chain I'd be ever so happy!

Is this the "made on a spool with nails" that you hook your silver on - then knit it like a sock knitting machine) - pulling the finished wire thru the spools hole?

Someone? Please? Anyone?

I would make you a nice beadie..... *waving bead under your nose*

Thanks for giving the time :)

Heidi

[Lynn Larson]

Heidi, it is wrapped around a dowel. You work about two inches of the chain then slide it up. I know there is an awesome article in Art Jewelry...I want to say may or juneish issue. I also have a handout type thing i may be able to share.

[Lynn Larson]

Well duh....I have the magazine...I could send you the handout thing! Pm your addy to me and I'll drop it in the mail. It is the one done by Anne Mitchell.

[ltsexpressions]

I've asked a few times, but I've gotten no response so I'll post it here.

If someone would kindly send or give me a tutorial on the Viking Knit Chain I'd be ever so happy!

Is this the "made on a spool with nails" that you hook your silver on - then knit it like a sock knitting machine) - pulling the finished wire thru the spools hole?

Someone? Please? Anyone?

I would make you a nice beadie..... *waving bead under your nose*

Thanks for giving the time :)

Heidi


HeidiHoodle,

try Sharon Hessoun's website:

http://www.beadeckedonline.com/

Her book Knitting with wire and her tools are DA BOMB. She (as a person) is even better than that!!! If you email her, tell her Stacy (her roomie from the BeadArt BeadyRetreaty) says hello!!!

Stac

[StLouisBiker]

Oh Ms. Heidi, you're the third person who asked about this in the last 24. I can do it . . . but current client load is staggering (that's good cause it pays the rent!). Do you want to barter for now? PM me.

FYI, I had some on eBay 2 weeks ago . . .

[Heidi von Frozenfyre]

No, I want to do it myself. I have a lot of idle hours babysitting and since he's a newborn, he sleeps alot :)

I'd just like to know how to do it. I am a silversmith - I have loads of the wire... just need to learn. Dats all :) I think it's explained in Oppi Unterachts book - but for the life of me I can't find it! (It was around $200 for the book and I have a feeling I stupidly lent it out)

So I'll look at the links given and get it figured out :)

THANKS EVERYONE! makes me feel not-so-invisible :)

Heidi

[krista michael]

I think Jo, from Dogmaw glass does this too. Jo, you out there?

[Gail Joseph]

I found great instructions online....hold on, I'll find the link:
Here you go: http://userweb.suscom.net/~apolloniavoss/projects.htm#Trichinopoly%20Chainwork%20Class%20Ha ndouts

I printed it out, but haven't tried it yet!-Gail

[StLouisBiker]

No, I want to do it myself. I have a lot of idle hours babysitting and since he's a newborn, he sleeps alot :)

I'd just like to know how to do it. I am a silversmith - I have loads of the wire... just need to learn. Dats all :) I think it's explained in Oppi Unterachts book - but for the life of me I can't find it! (It was around $200 for the book and I have a feeling I stupidly lent it out)

Heidi


It would be perfect for your time with the baby! I'll get you going . . . sent you a pm.

[swamper]

http://groups.msn.com/FineWire/spoolknitting.msnw

[StLouisBiker]

I use a wooden dowel, no nails or crochet hook.

http://groups.msn.com/FineWire/spoolknitting.msnw

[Heidi von Frozenfyre]

Kewlness! This should be fun! Of course... all I do is have fun :)

[Islandgirl]

I use 28 or 30 gauge fine silver.... No dowel ... Need darning needle size will give you your loops

To start make 4 or 5 twisted pieces of wire with small loops on the end attach them all together at the bottom, loops should all end at the same place/level .. and be arranged in a circle

Cut a piece of wire 2 or 3 feet long (You'll get a feel for the right length) hold onto a couple of inches of wire to get started. Start with the wire on the inside of the loops go from the inside outside wrap the wire around your darning needle and go back into the loop you just came out of and out the next one going clockwise.... just keep going round and round...

To add stitches just make a loop with the wire between real loops to decrease
just pull the wire tight don't make the loop

To add wire end on the inside twist the new peice onto the old one and keep going.

If this doesn't make sense email me or PM me and I'll try and scan some hand drawn (that should be a laugh) drawings...

When it is all done pull it through a draw plate to even it out, my draw plate is a metal knitting needle gauge, works great!

Lynne

Addendum I use brass wire to make my holder and also do the first inch or so in brass.... The number of stiitches you use is what dictates the size your kinitting will end up... So get the 'chain' to the diameter you want before you switch to silver then just snip the brass off the bottom when you are done, you can use your brass starter over and over again....

[x_phoenician]

I found the exact issue with instructions for the Viking Knit Chain by Kate Ferrant & Anne Mitchell (if you still want to check it out). It's the March 2005 issue of Art Jewelry (Volume 1 Issue 3). They use a dowel, nice photos.

It was "by chance" that I found it. My mom had left a magazine open on the table, folded back on some advertising page & I picked it up out of curiosity and started flipping through it. :wink:


Tracy J

[ChristyPhelps]

I've seen the Appolonia instructions, I bought the Irene book, I am really not stupid but I think I am having a mental block. If someone could enlighten me I would be so happy!


I understand the single knit. No problem - BUT - to do the double knit, go back two rows and loop in the prior loops - good so far. Got it.

THEN WHAT? :roll:

Continue single stitch for two rows and go back two rows to do the double? Is that the repetition? I don't get it...

Anyone?

[Gail Joseph]

I've seen the Appolonia instructions, I bought the Irene book, I am really not stupid but I think I am having a mental block. If someone could enlighten me I would be so happy!


I understand the single knit. No problem - BUT - to do the double knit, go back two rows and loop in the prior loops - good so far. Got it.

THEN WHAT? :roll:

Continue single stitch for two rows and go back two rows to do the double? Is that the repetition? I don't get it...

Anyone?
I'm not sure I can phrase this right, but when you are doing the double, you are always going up two rows, or two rungs of the ladder. Every stitch you make is making another "rung", so essentially, every time you take a stitch, it is one row lower than the previous one, and two rows up from the bottom.

Clear as mud???

[ChristyPhelps]

Gail - Scary thing - that makes perfect sense! Thank you so much. (I might be back after I try it tonight if I fail miserably) :-s

[SuzFromOz]

Just a quick tip - if you use a hex 9alan) key, instead of dowel, it gives you some room to manouver. If it gets to tight to fit the wire behind the loop, just give a 1/4 turn and you will have more room.

Suzanne

[Gail Joseph]

Just a quick tip - if you use a hex 9alan) key, instead of dowel, it gives you some room to manouver. If it gets to tight to fit the wire behind the loop, just give a 1/4 turn and you will have more room.

Suzanne
What a GREAT piece of advice!!!! Thanks!--Gail

[ChristyPhelps]

Gail, by the way, is a patient, wonderful teacher! I finally mastered this - ok, mastered might be too strong a word.;)

The dowel works well for larger gauge wire, I just cut a notch in one area and use it to put the wire behind the "x"s. Just turn the work. It's a lot faster than what I WAS doing, which was sticking a darning needle to raise up each loop.

My biggest problem was figuring out how to do the double knit. Gail made me understand that you still need to use the "rung" concept. This drawing summed it all up for me and made it click.

Hope this helps someone avoid all the aggravation I went through!

Edited 3/19/07
These two pics should help, I hope. Once you've begun the double, you will just continue doing it in that 2nd loop up from then on. Go behind the 2nd "X"... I used a needle to demonstrate, and I find working on a hex key to be the easiest.

[Sharon Abood]

I use a number 2 pencil when doing the Viking knit. If you use the octagon shaped instead of a round one you can usually work the wire in easily. Also I start students out using 28 gauge fine silver because it is very easy to work with. After doing a few projects you can switch to heavier gauge wire. It takes about 8 yards of 28 guage wire to do a 5 inch length which will draw to a 7 inch chain and with a toggle it is just right for most wrists. If you move up to 24 gauge it takes about an ounce of wire to do a bracelet.
Sharon
sabood@insight.rr.com

[Roseanne]

Anyone want to make a draw plate so I can buy it from you? lol ~ i'm serious:)

[Curly Irish Girl]

My DH made mine from a scrap of hardwood....just drilled holes of decreasing size. If you want one like that (it works great) just PM me and I'll have him make one and I'll send it your way....it's a freebie!!!

[Rose Leslie]

You are all to cool. I have just bought a book on it and it is very clear as to how to do it. I just want to know how to do the double cable knit. I have been trying that for a day. The single is very clear. Then I'm going on to the chain mail chain. At least I will turn greyer with doing that one. Have fun Heidi It is fun. Here is the book I bought. Great Wire Jewelry author Irene FRom Peterson. It has projects in it also. Gauges of wire as well. I think that is one purchase that was the best so far in a while.

[SuzFromOz]

I use a number 2 pencil when doing the Viking knit. If you use the octagon shaped instead of a round one you can usually work the wire in easily. Also I start students out using 28 gauge fine silver because it is very easy to work with. After doing a few projects you can switch to heavier gauge wire. It takes about 8 yards of 28 guage wire to do a 5 inch length which will draw to a 7 inch chain and with a toggle it is just right for most wrists. If you move up to 24 gauge it takes about an ounce of wire to do a bracelet.
Sharon
sabood@insight.rr.comanybody got a good online supplier for the silver wire? I ahve only played with this with cheapy craft wire, because I wanted to learn first and not risk stuffing up the silver. But the craft wire kinks really easily - I think the silver would work better. I would beinterested to hear an estimation of how much it costs to make a bracelet - say the 8 yards mentioned above?

[Islandgirl]

I get mine from Imperial Smelting in Toronto Canada, they have an American presence too... you could try emailing them and see if they know of an Australian smelting co that you could buy direct from.... Or a hobby store in Australia that they sell too (most of the smelting co's work in mm not in gauges...) PM me if you want a conversion, thought I had it book marked somewhere on this computer!

Lynne

[Sharon Abood]

I buy from a local jewelry supply in Columbus, OH if I just need a small amount but for a large order for a class I order from Hoover & Strong online or by phone. They are very nice to deal with and they don't act like they think I'm stupid when I call with questions. They probably LTAO when they get off the phone
Sharon

[Rose Leslie]

Ok I have a stupid question. I have the single knit down pretty good with the cheap wire. Now I want to do the double knit. Is it just the same stitch over the top of the first? I've been trying this and just about have it but not sure. Help please.

Rio Grande has the 26 gauge wire spool for $ 13.00 or $14.00 dollars. It Is thirty eight feet or yards. Not sure what he said. Any way it is 38 something. Hope this helps. I like working with them. They back every thing they have and sell.

[danagirl]

I think for the double knit - you go up to the wire above the first one - like up two "rungs" rather than just the first one.

Christy Phelps' picture up above us somewhere is of double knit.

HTH.
-Dana

[Sharon Abood]

That is correct- go back two spaces to place your wire- see the diagram in Christy's reply? That is one of the best pictures I've seen to explain it.

[Dasi]

Anyone have a good source for end caps?.....They are not easy to find.

[Islandgirl]

I buy all mine from Bamiyan but they are in Toronto....(I can almost never get the same thing twice though!) However I think Rio has some too though!

Lynne
www.fireballbeads.com

[ChristyPhelps]

I just added some pictures, hope this will help!


edit - oops, I'll add them here, too - sorry for the confusion! This is to show you how to go through the 2nd round once you've established your base. This is where you will thread your wire through and the direction. Right to left. I keep an old pointy tool on hand to help open when needed and to tug things back into alignment. I don't use a spool, just a little allen wrench. Some people prefer to use a pencil, since it's already segmented.

[Whimsey]

Christy, where did you add the pictures? I have wire, chrochet hook and drawplate, but no spool. Dang and I wanted to do this like right now!

[tgslampwork]

Christy, where did you add the pictures? I have wire, chrochet hook and drawplate, but no spool. Dang and I wanted to do this like right now!

Ditch the hook and you don't need a spool - got a pencil (ogtagonal kind) or an allen wrench (I think that's what they are called)?? Christy's pictures are in the post from 2005-10-24 12:09pm...not sure what number it is and not going back to find out :)

[Islandgirl]

I don't use either the spool or the allen use either the spool or an allen wrench... I just go round.. works fine with nothing! Ans I can add stitches and take away stitches since I'm not working over something!

Lynne

[Sarabella]

For those who need to SEE it (like I did) this is an episode of Knitty Gritty with Nancy Wiseman:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4177158,00.html

click on the video link the under picture of the finished piece to see how it's done. sorry about the advertising ... you can't ff to bypass.

S

[cherie]

Hi, I was ready to purchase everything I thought I would need from here to learn the viking knit w/ wire

http://www.beadeckedonline.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=28

but when I had emailed to inquire about it, this is the response I had got

Hi Cherie -
This is not viking knit. It looks much the same but is a completely
different process. I didn't want you to buy this and then be disappointed.

This is spool knitting - a fiber technique that was created in Scandinavia
in the 10th century for making cords and braids. It is great fun! I find
that beginners are most comfortable working on the 3-pin spool to get the
feel of the technique and the tension needed. You can use that size spool
for everything - necklace, bracelets, anklets, eyeglass leashes. . . so it
is very versatile.

Let me know if you have other questions!

Sharon Beadecked and Beaddicted

Now Im really confused on where/what book supplies I would need..any help would be apreeciated

[Debbie]

I am not usually verbally impaired but I've looked at numerous sets of instructions and I still don't get how to start. I get as far as making the loops and bundling them but then it's not clear where to start the working wire at that point. I've read the instructions from the DIY site over several times and I still can't picture it. I need to SEE it.

[Diane (clarus)]

This was posted recently on the Fine Art by Rocio site:

http://www.fineartbyrocio.com/vikingknitdirections.html

-Diane

[scouncil]

Those instructions (Rocio) are exactly like the ones from my class in Beadfest Phili (the technique anyway, the drawings/pictures are not the same). It's easy and makes a fabulous chain! The caps/cones are the killer. Where can we get some?!
Susan

[tgslampwork]

I get my caps from a fellow lampworker, www.heatherferman.com. I have priced them everywhere and hers are very reasonable and my personal favorite.

[debkauz]

For those who need to SEE it (like I did) this is an episode of Knitty Gritty with Nancy Wiseman:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4177158,00.html

click on the video link the under picture of the finished piece to see how it's done. sorry about the advertising ... you can't ff to bypass.

S

I didn't like her directions. Maybe becaue it was just kind of backwards as to how I do it. I do 5 loops not 4 and I also do it on a dowel which is in my hand, not on a vice. I think it's easier that way.

[Debbie]

This was posted recently on the Fine Art by Rocio site:

http://www.fineartbyrocio.com/vikingknitdirections.html

-Diane

This site was very helpful - although he leaves out a few details such as the gauge of wire needed and how big to make the holes in the drawplate.

[playswithfire104]

This site was very helpful - although he leaves out a few details such as the gauge of wire needed and how big to make the holes in the drawplate.



Yes Yes Yes!!!!! How big are the holes in the draw plate? What gage wire should you use? How long of a piece of wire do you start with?

[tgslampwork]

*I* typically use 24 gauge...but that's not mandatory...as far as the size of the holes in the drawplate - I bought my drawpate, took the wasy way out. But I imagine if you were to make your own you could just make several sizes varying by about .25 mm. Start with the largest hole and work your way down to whatever size tickles your fancy.

[bexrox]

I just put a few holes in my drawplate from the few drill bits I could find (time to clean the garage!). My smallest one must have been about 4mm because that's the size of my finished piece. That was single stitch with 26 g wire. I'm going to try some 22 g next, for a thicker result.
Becky

[glass addict]

I have a piece of chain that I haven't drawn down yet because I'm wondering if it will really be twice as long? I did the double stitch and it's sort of tight. Any insights?

I'm just a scardy cat!

Mary

[Juliac]

That's funny, Mary! I was scared too. Just do it:< )

[fullajoyy]

I'm a newbie but I am very excited today because I completed my first viking knit single weave chain.=D> I love the look. I used 6 loops and 26g wire to weave. I weaved ~3.375" and after pulling through the draw plate had over 6.5". After I added my handmade finding, (I hope get endcaps soon), the finished bracelet is too long, 9 inches end-to-end. I added some lampwork beads I got from monalamprwork and Laney's Beads.

Any tips on judging weave length vs. draw length? Does different wire guages produce different lengths when drawn. How do you correct the length to the size you desire. I added wire but didn't feel very confident about my method. Any suggestions on adding wire.

I know there are many experts on this forum. I have read all of them but would love any advice and/or feedback.

FYI: I got the draw plate and tubing from LE member beadcrazy.

Here are some photos of my finished work.
72521
72522

[lilacwind]

Hi, I am also having trouble withthe double.. I get the fact you go up 2 rungs of the ladder...but, then you weave around one round on the double and then go back down and weave another of your first? Then go back up and weave a round of the double? I got all messed up doing it. It never sunk in and I kept skipping spots. I resorted to completing my single then going back and completely doing the double on top of the single. It worked and I did not skip any spots.

My question is about the end cap. Where are you getting the end caps to fit? I want the ones with the hole in the top, not the loop.
Thanks, Mimi

[gayle janczarek]

After you draw down your chain you can cut it to length, before finishing the ends. gayle

[fullajoyy]

After you draw down your chain you can cut it to length, before finishing the ends. gayle

Gayle, do I cut at a certain place in the chain to prevent the chain from unraveling? Will I lose much of the chain if I cut it? I have heard people say they make a long piece, use draw plate and cut off various lengths. I was much to intimidated to try that. I'd like to cut down the bracelet I just posted but was afraid to mess it up. Will I still have loops to gather with another piece of wire to finish off chain neatly?


Thanks.

Hi, I am also having trouble withthe double.. I get the fact you go up 2 rungs of the ladder...but, then you weave around one round on the double and then go back down and weave another of your first? Then go back up and weave a round of the double? I got all messed up doing it. It never sunk in and I kept skipping spots. I resorted to completing my single then going back and completely doing the double on top of the single. It worked and I did not skip any spots.

My question is about the end cap. Where are you getting the end caps to fit? I want the ones with the hole in the top, not the loop.
Thanks, Mimi

Today I did a double weave (I'm still working on it). I first did 4 rows of single weave then started a double weave on the fifth row. It's a little tighter at first but I used an awl to get under hard spots. A double was just putting the wire behind the second loop up vs. the first one. You just keep going to the second row up. No more first row.

Davabeads has the sterling beadcaps for wholesale accounts and a fellow LE member Heather has sterling and other metals. Check the forum, I know Heather's website is listed and so is DavasBeads. Rio has some but they are not as nice.

I hope this helps.

[bexrox]

fullajoy, your first viking knit is gorgeous! Love it in copper! I made my first the other day, in single stitch. I made two pieces and used wire-wrapped (gotta change that!) end caps too. I'll attach a pic. Can you tell me the finished diameter of yours?

As for cutting it, it shouldn't unravel, just grab the very end and wrap it tightly around another of the wires. It will be covered up by a cap.

I'd love to see more of anyone's VK, esp. double knit and any other more intricate types.

147023

Becky

[BeadingBabe]

I made this double stitch with 24g sterling wire. My peice was about 9.5" and after drawing it down it was 17". I like the look of the double stitch. I ran an 18g wire thru the entire piece. My bead in the center is made with various silver glass and then .999 silver accents. The second bracelet is made with raku on moretti red purple.
Kris

147055

147056

[Dasi]

I have Rose Bronze, (perfect for copper) Brass, and sterling silver back in stock finally if anyone needs caps. I know it is almost the holidays and I have been trying to get restocked since Sept.

http://shop.heatherferman.com/category.sc?categoryId=10
147072

[bexrox]

Those are super bracelets, Kris! Can I ask what diameter they turn out to be?

Becky

[BeadingBabe]

Becky,
They are packed up for a show tomorrow, so can't do it tonight. I still have a small piece of the vk left and will measure that tomorrow when I get home. I think you want to know the diameter of the knit piece, right?
Kris

[tgslampwork]

Something to thing about -- I weave as much wire as I can handle at a time - always at least an oz...and cut off sections based on how much I need. How much your chain will 'grow' once you draw depends on several things. The density of the chain (which is based on the weave, how tight you wove, the gauge and the number of loops) as well how far down you draw it.

As far as cutting the piece. Cut anywhere - you'll lose very little wire, I just take pliers and gently pull out the loose pieces from the cut - then I have my loops at the cut end, just as if I had ended it there normally.

The last time I did Viking Knit I'd say I had at least 3-4 feet...and I'm still working with that to create finished pieces as needed :)

[BeadingBabe]

The viking knit in my bracelets is .23" (almost 1/4") wide. Hope this info helps. The bracelets were a big hit at the show today.
Kris

[naom-s]

I found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfsyTn9XCsE
Naomi

[fullajoyy]

fullajoy, your first viking knit is gorgeous! Love it in copper! I made my first the other day, in single stitch. I made two pieces and used wire-wrapped (gotta change that!) end caps too. I'll attach a pic. Can you tell me the finished diameter of yours?

As for cutting it, it shouldn't unravel, just grab the very end and wrap it tightly around another of the wires. It will be covered up by a cap.

I'd love to see more of anyone's VK, esp. double knit and any other more intricate types.

Becky

Becky, my finished diameter on that bracelet is 4.5mm.

As I mentioned I have been working on a double weave in copper (I'm up to 12 inches before drawing), using 6 branches and 24g wire. I also got the endcaps in so when I complete a necklace or bracelet I'll post a picture. I'm just seeing how long I can get it so I can snip off pieces.

I tend to like the tight weave thicker bracelet look (maybe 6 mm).

fullajoyy

[fullajoyy]

Here are photos of two Viking Knit weaves I finally completed and made bracelets.

This first one is made with copper wire, 6 loops, double weave and oxidized. The lampwork beads were made by a friend, Adelle Read. It's called "For Mary". I made the bracelet to remember two special Mary's: my Mom and my friend's Mom who recently passed away. Both named Mary.

73618

My "I Dream" bracelet was designed for my daughter who a freshman in college. I am now teaching her to do Viking Knit. It is made with Vintag wire, 5 loops & double weave.

73619

I'm now working with sterling silver. I'll put a bracelet together in a couple of days.

Thanks for looking.

PS. If you like the sterling endcaps on the second bracelet I ordered plenty and would be happy to share. PM me, they come in two sizes.

[MadelineBunyan]

I thought I would show my efforts here...This was thanks to the tutorial by Rocio fine Art.
150577
150578

I gave this to my Mum for her birthday with some Silver cored beads that I made.

I have done a fair bit of silver smithing so I soldered a thicker wire to the ends of my piece of chain and threaded that through some cone beads I bought form a UK company. Think I used about 3.5 metres of 0.5 or 0.6 mm wire. it made just under 7 inches when drawn down and is about 4.7mm thick. I'm not sure about any of those measurements, I made This in august, I'm just thinking of doing another one, I would be interested in the best ways of joining/adding in more wire...

Madeline

[fullajoyy]

I've just finished 5 VK bracelets over the holidays. I'm getting better with each one I complete. I finally figured out a technique for adding wires that still allow for a smooth finished product.

The first photo is my first attempt using sterling wire. It was pulled to 6mm.

73974

All of these are slightly under 5mm each. I love the finished result.

73975

I posted some different photos in the Jewelry section under weekly photos. They show a different side. I have enjoyed learning and improving on Viking Knit.

Happy New Year!
fullajoyy

PS. I'm trying to figure out how to best price these. They are very labor intensive. Any suggestions? I have two people interested in them, but I couldn't quote a price. I see them again on next Wednesday. Thanks for any feedback.

[cakelady]

Heidi diynet has a video on viking knitting you might want to watch. It
really helped me. http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4177158,00.html

[houptdavid]

Well here is my first single loop...
22g copper wire on 5/16" dowel 6 loops, 11" long just under 1/2" off dowel drawn to 1/4" and 16" long. Trying to figure out what to do took me about 2 1/2- 3 hours.

Step by Step Wire, Winter 2009 has a very good article on it that explains enough that even I could do it. :lol:

[houptdavid]

OK I tried the double loop...
Did the daisy at the top and started a single loop chain. I made an inch of single and then went to start the double.
If I count back 2 loops and go around eventually I end up with a big mess, and a single loop again.
I tried 3 times what am I missing? I can usually see a few pictures and "get it" but this excapes me.

I've looked at all the pics and videos.

[MadelineBunyan]

maybe you need to start off doing double rather than trying to change? I dont know, I'm still not sure if the one and only one I've done was a double by accident!

[MadelineBunyan]

looking at it now, its a single

[delinquent beader]

Girl with the draw plates for this - check my Etsy. E-mail me about not needing the instructions.
Sharon

[delinquent beader]

Hey, I forgot to tell you...those caps of Heathers are fantastic for this. It's what Anne Mitchell uses in her classes and Stanley and others. Rocio's end caps are nice too but don't have the lip on them. They also some in patterns though. Viking Knit is great stuff.
Sharon

[karin]

Okey dokey, this was NOT something I needed to get addicted to - I already have enough things that take tons of time and more eyesight and manual dexterity than I have... :-) But this is downright compelling, isn't it? :-) I've only made 3 tiny (2") samples, just to check different size mandrels and different drawdowns, but I am already chomping at the bit to make something big enough to actually wear. I think this will look so cool as a necklace with a silver-cored bead on it....

Now the questions... :-) I'm using 28 ga fine silver wire, starting with either a 3/8 or 1/4 inch metal stamp as a base (4 sided) and making four loops. Obviously it's quite a bit 'lacier' looking than the ones shown here, so I guess I want to try with more loops, though not sure how to space those out on a 4 sided stamp. My real questions are - if it's drawn through a reasonably small hole (small enough to have to work at it, not enough to have to brace my legs to pull it or anything), is that hardening it enough that I don't have to worry about it smashing flat? Or is the wire I'm using too fine to ever reach that point? I don't want to make a bracelet if it's just going to smash flat when I put my hand on the table, but I can't imagine using much thicker wire, it will kink like mad...

Also, is there a clear explanation of the double knit somewhere? The tutorial I purchased talks briefly about it, but says to do two rows of single, then a row of double - is that how double is always done, or is that just this pattern?

[morebeadsplz]

For the double knit, you just go up two rows, instead of one. I never use 28 gauge wire. It doesn't seem to have enough strength for me. My preference is 26 gauge and 3/8" dowel rod. I would just make sure a bracelet has more strength than say a necklace. A bracelet will be subject to more abuse.

[Islandgirl]

I have a 28 gauge Viking Knit 'Chain' one but I'm sure I had 8 -10 loops... big issue is the wire is so fine that the ends have all come back to life and it's a bit like wearing a cactus... will try and take a picture and post it in the next couple of days...

and I'm sure you do one row of double for every row of single I can't remember but I think you did the row of single then basically repeated it...

I don't use a dowel when I do mine though so I can add and subtract stitches at will.

I would buy heavier wire and make sure if it's silver that it is fine silver as it doesn't work harden nearly as fast as sterling! Also it doesn't tarnish like sterling does!

Lynne

[karin]

I have a 28 gauge Viking Knit 'Chain' one but I'm sure I had 8 -10 loops... big issue is the wire is so fine that the ends have all come back to life and it's a bit like wearing a cactus... will try and take a picture and post it in the next couple of days...

and I'm sure you do one row of double for every row of single I can't remember but I think you did the row of single then basically repeated it...

I don't use a dowel when I do mine though so I can add and subtract stitches at will.

I would buy heavier wire and make sure if it's silver that it is fine silver as it doesn't work harden nearly as fast as sterling! Also it doesn't tarnish like sterling does!

Lynne

It is fine silver, I did know enough to do that... just bought 2 ounces of it at 28 ga though, so I guess I'll keep practicing with this for a while. Will try more loops and see how that goes. Then I guess I'll buy some 26 ga and try that out.... :-)

Thanks!

[Dasi]

I like the 24g. best. Purchase some 24 too.

[Marlene]

Well I guess this site is still active, has been a long discussion for a most confusing issue.
I have been sitting here with my 3/8" Alan Key, using 6 loops and a variety of wires from 24 to 28 wire in various softness and find that the Artistic wire is much softer and easier to use than the silver coloured or brass wire that comes on the spools from the local habby shop. I am not game enough to try silver yet because my work looks so uneven. I have found that if you do about 1" of single then try the double by going down two loops or rows (same stitch but down two instead of one) complete the row (ie. 6 stitches)then go back to single for three rows then do the double (down two rows instead of one)again, repeat the three rows and do a double again. The instructions that I found to be most helpful in starting were from "beadingdaily.com" and was called trichinopoly chainwork . and were written by Kathleen Pierce.

I have, over the years, printed off 6 different instructions for this stitch but have found I am no further advanced than if I started last week. How do the instructions people get their work so neat - is it that tension pays a big part in all this, hope you have better looking work than I do.:doubt:

Marlene

[morebeadsplz]

When I first started, my rows were uneven, some were way too narrow. I found that my problem was I was pulling the wire too tightly. I loosened up on the tension. Even now, the entire time I am weaving, I have to adjust my tension to try to make all the rows as even as possible. Marlene, why don't you use fewer than 6 loops and practice getting the feel and right tension for adjusting your rows....maybe using 3-4 loops. I always use 5 loops and a double stitch..that seems to work best for me and I am always pleased with the look.

[Marlene]

Thanks Grandma,

You will love the experience, I use Skype camera to visit my two grandchildren in Hong Kong and it is great to see them grow.
Marlene

[morebeadsplz]

We are so excited....it is our first grandchildren. My son and his wife live here locally, so we will see them in person as much as we can. They are pretty sure one is a boy and they think the other is a girl, but will probably know for sure at next visit in 3 weeks. I never had an ultrasound when I was pregnant (many, many years ago), so it is really fun to watch the recorded ultrasound of the grandchildren on my own TV.....I am just in awe when I watch it.

[twiggyinaz]

Time to revive this thread!

How long wire do you work with? I would like a whole necklace, but that is an enormously long piece of wire!

Can you work with smaller lengths (a few feet) and add wire just like you do when you go from the starter loops to your working wire? I think it would be pretty tough if you tucked your ends in well, but I thought I would ask if anybody has done this or not.

Thanks!

[Aretz]

Yes, that's how I learned to do it. I think we only used three foot lengths at a time. To get enough for a bracelet, I had to use three or four separate pieces, but tucking in all those ends was a lot easier than trying to manage one long piece of wire and keep the kinks out of it.

I was trying to post instructions on how to do it, but just typing it out isn't going to work; I tried. It's one of those things you really have to have someone show you how to do.
The basic idea is to just add a new wire by sticking it into where the old short wire is sticking out, leave an inch or so for a tail, and keep knitting. When the chain is long enough, you give them a pull to make sure they're taut, clip all the tails off to about one-eighth of an inch and use fine needle nose pliers to curl the end under and around the wire underneath, making sure you tuck it in securely and that it hooks all the way around the wire. It's not that easy because it's hard to see inside the chain and hard to tuck the wire in there while wrapping it around, but it becomes almost invisible. You also have to tuck the wires toward the end that isn't going to be pulled through the draw plate first, so there's little chance of it snagging on the draw plate and pulling out.

[fullajoyy]

I work with pieces of wire no longer than 2.5 - 3.0 ft. Anything longer gets to be difficult, tangles and kinks too easily. I have gotten very good at starting a new piece of wire and keeping the ends tucked and un-noticed. PM me if you need more details.

I have some new pieces I need to finish soon, I'll post again when complete.

- Audrey

PS. I make a piece about 11.25" to 12" to draw to 18".

[twiggyinaz]

Yes, that's how I learned to do it. I think we only used three foot lengths at a time. To get enough for a bracelet, I had to use three or four separate pieces, but tucking in all those ends was a lot easier than trying to manage one long piece of wire and keep the kinks out of it.

I was trying to post instructions on how to do it, but just typing it out isn't going to work; I tried. It's one of those things you really have to have someone show you how to do.
The basic idea is to just add a new wire by sticking it into where the old short wire is sticking out, leave an inch or so for a tail, and keep knitting. When the chain is long enough, you give them a pull to make sure they're taut, clip all the tails off to about one-eighth of an inch and use fine needle nose pliers to curl the end under and around the wire underneath, making sure you tuck it in securely and that it hooks all the way around the wire. It's not that easy because it's hard to see inside the chain and hard to tuck the wire in there while wrapping it around, but it becomes almost invisible. You also have to tuck the wires toward the end that isn't going to be pulled through the draw plate first, so there's little chance of it snagging on the draw plate and pulling out.

Actually, you explained it quite well! If I understand, very similar to the transition from your starting wire to working wire, except you need to tuck and hook the old wire.

Thank you so very much! I am kind of embarassed that I didn't figure it out myself, I guess it is one of those things that don't seem obvious until somebody tells you.

[twiggyinaz]

Fullajoy,
I got long arms, I am half gorilla, I do OK with 4 feet, but 3 feet would be better.

My practice weaves have been almost doubling in length. I am doing the double weave, with 5 loops around, what are you doing?

[shae marks]

Heidi, it is wrapped around a dowel. You work about two inches of the chain then slide it up. I know there is an awesome article in Art Jewelry...I want to say may or juneish issue. I also have a handout type thing i may be able to share.

[Dasi]

I really like the Viking Knit pieces I saw posted above!!! Beautiful!

[fullajoyy]

Fullajoy,
I got long arms, I am half gorilla, I do OK with 4 feet, but 3 feet would be better.

My practice weaves have been almost doubling in length. I am doing the double weave, with 5 loops around, what are you doing?

Hi Twiggy,

I do double knit using either 5 or 6 loops. I like my bracelets very dense and not to lacy. I reduce to about 5mm+ to 6mm+. I hope to post some new bracelets soon.

- Audrey

[MadelineBunyan]

Ive been a busy bee...taken to doing my knitting during some of the enormously long teabreaks that me and my friends like to take...then feel guilty over for not getting on with stuff....so now I get both! yay!

guilt-free extra long teabreaks! love it! then I ran out of wire.

My pieces are almost doubling in length, 12" made somewhere around 22-23"

I'm using 0.5mm wire, the single knit and an allan key just to start on, then weaving around nothing. (a pencil worked but I made it too tight, couldnt get it out so I burned it out when I annealed it!) and Im drawing to about 5mm so it goes through my cored beads, might be more like 4.8mm.

[twiggyinaz]

If this helps:

I am doing five loops and a double weave, on a 11mm dowel and pulling down to about 4.5 mm. I am using 24 guage wire. I am using the dowel and pull plate from Sharilyn, it is perfect!

I get a nice heavy cable that still bends, but is not lacy. I am using mine like Madeline is using hers, for cored big hole beads. The beads sit beautifully on the chains!!

If you are having problems getting your weave off your dowel or pencil, don't pull straight off. Twist it off. Go in one direction, not back and forth. Because the weave has a direction, one direction works better than the other, so if one direction doesn't work, try the other direction. (clear as mud?) I also have learned to pull it up my dowel every so often so I don't have too much weave on the dowel at the same time.

[MadelineBunyan]

I've just learned to start the weave a little looser then work 'off-dowel'!

Oh and Im doing six loops cause I'm using an allan key as a starter so it sorta works.

[Reenie]

Works like a charm!!!

177396177397
'
177398
177399

[MadelineBunyan]

thats cool, would love to see what it looks like finished!!

[J W Kama]

There are a great many really nice bracelets here and also good tips and advise.
I guess the only thing I could add is I always have my caps first and draw my chain down to bit properly. Or remember you can use a pencil, or chop stick, something to
add a bit of size to the ends also.

Do check out our mandrels for making your own caps.
All info on the web site if you haven't seen them already.
Jeannie

[rachelgreen]

I bought the Irene book, I am really smart

[Reenie]

I bought the Irene book, I am really smart

Really? I didn't know I had a book ;-)

[Reenie]

There are a great many really nice bracelets here and also good tips and advise.
I guess the only thing I could add is I always have my caps first and draw my chain down to bit properly. Or remember you can use a pencil, or chop stick, something to
add a bit of size to the ends also.

Do check out our mandrels for making your own caps.
All info on the web site if you haven't seen them already.
Jeannie

Thanks Jeannie. I'm still having problems finishing the chain and how to bring up all the loops together and then put the finishing wire on it. I've made my own caps by the coiling method but haven't tried making end caps yet. I bought some but again, it's figuring out how to tie it off or whatever and then slip it through. I need to look at the tutorial bought to see how she did it but mostly, she makes her own coils.
I'll share when I actually finish one!!