FAQ

I would like to encourage you to use Google or other search engines. If the first search doesn't bring up what you are looking for, please try other search words. There are tons of information just waiting for you to find. 

You may also benefit from cheking the several nalbinding groups in Facebook (listed here)


BOOKS

Where can I buy nalbinding books?
There are online book stores that sell nalbinding books. Try to google for example Amazon, Mielke's Fibre Arts, and Slöjdmagasinet.

COURSES

Where can I find nalbinding courses?
You could look for a teacher in the several nalbinding groups on Facebook, or you could google and try to locate a group of reenactors nearby, for example. 



NEEDLE 

What is the name of that needle?
The needle used in nalbinding is called the nalbinding needle. The word "nål" in Swedish, Norwegian and Danish languages simply means "a needle", any needle. It is not specific to nalbinding. 

Where can I buy a nalbinding needle?
Google is your best friend. Try to search etsy, dawanda, ebay, Mielke's Fiber Arts, and other online market places, even facebook nalbinding groups. If there is a group of reenactors nearby, you could try to find out if someone there makes needles. Depending on where you live, the local yarn shop may also be a place to ask. You can use a darning needle, too. 

What is the best kind of needle?
If you have an opportunity to try out different needles (size, material), that is a great way to find a needle that feels good in your hands. People prefer different kinds of needles, so try to find one that you like most. 
Have you already notice the needle page? 


PATTERNS 

Where can I find patterns for nalbinding? 

Have you googled already? There are several nalbinding groups on Facebook, and you might find something useful in the Files or Photos sections of those groups. On this website there are outline patterns for mittens and socks. 

There are a few patterns with specific stitch counts, and those patterns may be problematic because the final result is affected by your personal gauge, your yarn, and your stitch choice. Most people do their nalbound items by trying them on every now and then while nalbinding, or by comparing to an existing item. 


PHOTOS 

Can I use your photos for (fill in here) purpose? 
Drop me a line if you are interested in using one of my photos for your personal purposes. Also, if you use my photos, please mention either my name or my website, and make it clear it is not your website. 

Can I translate parts of your page for my own booklet or website? 
Please use your own words and do not translate directly. 

May I link your webpage to my nalbinding blog / webpage / presentation / informantion sheet? 
Yes. But please make it clear it is not your website. 

The weirdest thing that happened was a message I got via my website from a total stranger. She praised my website and thanked me for the nalbinding course which I had been teaching. Umh, I did not teach. I don't know who did, but obviously that someone was using my website as a resourse in her course. 
 

STITCHES

How many stitches do I need for my mittens?
I recommend you to make a small sample first and use that as a guide. 

Which stitch should I use with my yarn (brand name here)? 
That depends on what kind of an item you are going to do. The answer may feel unhelpful and frustrating, but there are not straightforward answers. Making a small sample might help you. 

Which stitch and yarn suit together? 
This is a difficult question. That depends on what you are going to do, and what kind of texture you wish to have in your fabric. It may be confusing to try to figure out which yarn, stitch and project would best match together. Making small samples may help you to decide.  

Generally speacking, the bigger the numbers of the stitch, the thicker the fabric. For example the "Finnish Stitch 3+3" (=6) is thicker than "Mammen Stitch 1+2" (=3) or "Oslo Stitch 1+1" (=2). Åsle Stitch, on the other hand, is an exception to the rule. In Åsle Stitch there are 3 loops involved, like in Mammen Stitch, but Åsle is much thicker. 

But als the yarn matters. If you use, for example, "Finnish Stitch 3+3" with thin yarn, the final result may be thinner than if you use "Mammen Stitch 1+2" with thick yarn. 

Another thing that affects the final reasult is the gauge (loose/tight stitches). 

So, it is really hard to give any specific suggestions as to which stitch to use. I would recommend making a small sample each time you use a different yarn and/or stitch than what you have used before. 


Which stitches are best for mittens (or socks, cap or scarf)? 
That depends on how you prefer your items - thick & dense vs. thinner & not too hot. It also depends on the yarn. 

TEACHER

Where can I find someone who can teach me nalbinding?
You could look for a teacher in the several nalbinding groups on Facebook, or you could google and try to locate a group of reenactors nearby.

VIDEO

Is there a video for (fill in here)?
Have you checked out Youtube and/or my list of nalbinding videos already? 

There is no video/page/photo for (fill in here). 
I am always open to ideas for new videos and pages. Please let me know what is missing.

Can you make a new video/page/photo for (fill in here)?
I am always open to ideas for new videos and pages. Please let me know what is missing. 
Yes, possibly. It depends on if and when I can arrange enough time for that.

YARN

Which yarn is best for mittens (or socks, cap or scarf)?
As much as I would love to answer, I am not able to give any recommendations for specific brands.

Many people prefer 100 % wool, the kind that is not superwash. Some people prefer acrylic either because it is soft or because they are allergic to wool. Some people prefer thick yarn because the item gets finished quickly, and some prefer thinner yarns which allow using multiple loops.