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What is Viking Weave?

Published in History 2 mins read

Viking weave, also known as tablet weaving, is a traditional textile craft practiced by the Vikings and other ancient cultures. It involves using small, rectangular tablets to create intricate patterns in woven fabric.

How Viking Weave Works

  1. The Tablets: These tablets are made from wood, bone, or other materials and have grooves or slots along their edges.
  2. Warp Threads: The warp threads (the lengthwise threads) are strung through the tablets, creating a series of loops.
  3. Weaving: By turning the tablets, the warp threads are interlaced with the weft thread (the crosswise thread) to create the fabric.

Benefits of Viking Weave

  • Versatility: It can be used to create a variety of fabrics, including belts, straps, clothing, and tapestries.
  • Durability: Viking weave fabrics are known for their strength and resilience.
  • Intricate Patterns: The tablets allow for complex and beautiful patterns to be woven.

Examples of Viking Weave

  • The Oseberg Tapestry: Found in the Oseberg burial ship in Norway, this tapestry is a famous example of Viking weave.
  • Viking Belts: These belts were often decorated with intricate patterns using tablet weaving.

Practical Insights

  • Modern Applications: Today, Viking weave is still practiced as a hobby and art form.
  • Tools and Resources: There are numerous resources available for those interested in learning about and practicing Viking weave, including books, websites, and online communities.

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