Coptic Stitch (Tarim Stitch)


Hansen's Notation
-/-O F1B1

Video (link

p_tarim_o-001.jpg
Coptic Stitch (Tarim Stitch)
front side
 


Clear instructions with diagrams
(by Karen Sullivan)

Coptic Socks (photo)

Nalbound items made with this stitch have been found from West China, Tarim Basin area (1000 BCE), Peru (about 100 CE), and Egypt (about 400-600 CE). 

The front side of the Coptic Stitch (Tarim Stitch) looks like knit stitches, but the loops are twisted and upside down compared to true knit stitches.

On the photo on the right, there's also a small test in ribbing, and two-coloured work.

p_tarim_n-001.jpg
Coptic Stitch (Tarim Stitch)
reverse side
 


Although Coptic Stitch (Tarim Stitch) 
resembles knitting, it behaves in a bit 
different way when stretched, and 
in ribbing.

When stretched, the twisted loops become smaller/narrower, and the gaps between two stitches become larger. A knitted piece stretches more evenly. The ribbing on the other hand, does not pull together nearly as strongly as knitted ribbing.

Most items made by nalbinding do not ravel on their own, if there's a hole for example in a sock sole. Coptic Stitch (Tarim Stitch) is an exception. When working with Coptic Stitch (Tarim Stitch), you cannot undo the work like knitted or crocheted item, ie by pulling the yarn, but if there's a hole, the stitches may start running from bottom up.