Close your eyes for a moment and imagine...
Using two adjacent fingers, wrap fibre around first one then the next in a figure 8 pattern twice. Lift up the first loop on each finger over the last fibre loop added. This is the first row of square lucet weaving! By changing the orientation of the fibre loops, flat braids can be made.
Intertwining different colours of fibre and adding beads leads to even more variations on cording.
The most common form of a lucet tool has two prongs like a tuning fork while a second style like a duck's bill. Using either one in the same manner as the two finger example will produce a comparable product. Variations on this wooden or plastic tool can include a second set of prongs (4 at right angles to each other) or a bobbin to hold the fibre.
I have designed my DUCETTE® so that both styles of lucets are incorporated into one piece of Canadian hardwood. By experimenting with different types of fibres (even circular hair elastics), fashion accessories such as jewellery, scarves, belts and trims can be made.
It is my hope that my blog will encourage you to explore different materials and uses for this very basic weaving/knitting/braiding tool.
www.beadaddict.ca
www.facebook.com/ducettelady
