Ancient Craft Workshop: Nalbinding

Ancient Craft Workshop: Nalbinding

Avalon ArchaeologyWesthay, England
Saturday, Mar 28, 2026 from 10 am to 4 pm
Overview

Learn the ancient textile craft of Nalbinding with expert archaeologist Sally Pointer.

Join award-winning experimental archaeologist and heritage educator Sally Pointer for a hands-on journey through the history of loop-manipulated textiles. In this immersive workshop, you’ll explore the ancient roots of nalbinding and learn a variety of different stitches.

What is Nalbinding?

Nalbinding is an ancient textile technique that creates fabric by looping and knotting short lengths of yarn with a single needle and the maker’s thumb. Unlike knitting or crochet which uses a continuous strand of yarn to make interlocking loops, nalbinding produces individually secured loops from shorter pieces of yarn, resulting in work that won’t unravel.

This method dates back thousands of years, predating knitting and appearing across many cultures worldwide. It has traditionally been used to create warm, durable items such as mittens, socks and hats.

What you’ll learn:

  • Simple looping
  • looping around a core (Tybrind Vig stitch)
  • Coptic stitch (cross-knit looping)
  • York (Coppergate) stitch
  • Oslo stitch

No prior experience is required. Participants will be guided step-by-step, gaining a solid foundation while creating a range of samples in this remarkably versatile craft.

Tickets

Booking is required.

More Information

Go to www.avalonarchaeology.org.uk for more details, or visit our blog the see the latest work of our dedicated volunteers at https://avalon-archaeology.com/.

For booking enquiries: avalon@swheritage.org.uk.

Visit What's on at Avalon Aracheology for more exciting events.

To receive our events straight to your inbox, sign-up to our e-newsletters.

Visit What's on for events, workshops talks or tours at our sister Museums in Taunton, Bridgwater and Glastonbury.

Learn the ancient textile craft of Nalbinding with expert archaeologist Sally Pointer.

Join award-winning experimental archaeologist and heritage educator Sally Pointer for a hands-on journey through the history of loop-manipulated textiles. In this immersive workshop, you’ll explore the ancient roots of nalbinding and learn a variety of different stitches.

What is Nalbinding?

Nalbinding is an ancient textile technique that creates fabric by looping and knotting short lengths of yarn with a single needle and the maker’s thumb. Unlike knitting or crochet which uses a continuous strand of yarn to make interlocking loops, nalbinding produces individually secured loops from shorter pieces of yarn, resulting in work that won’t unravel.

This method dates back thousands of years, predating knitting and appearing across many cultures worldwide. It has traditionally been used to create warm, durable items such as mittens, socks and hats.

What you’ll learn:

  • Simple looping
  • looping around a core (Tybrind Vig stitch)
  • Coptic stitch (cross-knit looping)
  • York (Coppergate) stitch
  • Oslo stitch

No prior experience is required. Participants will be guided step-by-step, gaining a solid foundation while creating a range of samples in this remarkably versatile craft.

Tickets

Booking is required.

More Information

Go to www.avalonarchaeology.org.uk for more details, or visit our blog the see the latest work of our dedicated volunteers at https://avalon-archaeology.com/.

For booking enquiries: avalon@swheritage.org.uk.

Visit What's on at Avalon Aracheology for more exciting events.

To receive our events straight to your inbox, sign-up to our e-newsletters.

Visit What's on for events, workshops talks or tours at our sister Museums in Taunton, Bridgwater and Glastonbury.

Good to know

Highlights

  • 6 hours
  • In-person

Refund Policy

No refunds

Location

Avalon Archaeology

Shapwick Road

Westhay BA6 9TT

How would you like to get there?

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South West Heritage Trust
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