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A lucet is a tool used in cordmaking or braiding which is believed to date back to the Viking and Medieval periods, when it was used to create cords that were used on clothing, or to hang items from the belt. Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy. It closely resembles knitting I-cord or the cord produced on a Spool knitting. Lucet may unravel if cut, but is easily fixed with a small knot. Unlike other braiding techniques such as , fingerloop braid or braiding, where the threads are of a finite length, lucetted (or knitted) braids can be created without pre-measuring threads and so it is a technique suited for very long cords.
The exact origins of the lucet are controversial. While it was previously suggested that its use declined after the 12th century, revived in the 17th century,Oxford English Dictionary. See: Lucet obs. then waned again in the early 19th century; the historical identification of lucets in archaeological digs is tricky. The biggest challenge in identifying ancient lucets is that their design is simple, making it difficult to distinguish from other two-pronged tools. Many presumed lucets were made from bones, branches, or antlers, and are often misidentified by archaeologists.
For example, a two-pronged 11th-century finding from Lund (Sweden) has been associated with lucetting due to its design and runic inscription. This artifact, despite having features that suggest its use in cordmaking, is debated among experts. In York, both bone and antler finds have been catalogued as lucets, although some, particularly the antler finds, are considered too impractical for weaving due to their divergent prongs and wear marks consistent with pendants.
The absence of a universally recognized shape for a lucet further complicates this identification. Findings range from hollow bones with two prongs, sometimes bearing a third larger prong, to small flat tools. Artifacts associated with medieval textile crafts, such as those found in Sigtuna (Sweden), Wandignies-Hamage (France), and other Northern European sites, have been re-examined through experimental archaeology, supporting their potential use as lucets, although doubts persist. Despite this, the term 'lucet' has been applied to similar objects, especially those found in textile-related contexts.
To cast on, the yarn is put through the hole in the lucet from the front, and the yarn in front of the lucet is wound around the prongs twice, in a figure-of-eight motion. The two lower loops are then lifted over the two upper loops, using either the fingers or a stick, until they are lifted over the 'horns' of the lucet fork, after which the thread behind the lucet is pulled to tighten the knot. The process is then repeated, this time (and every time after) winding the yarn just once around the prongs, as there is already a figure-of-eight of yarn on the fork.
When the desired length of lucet cord is reached, the lucet can be cast off by carefully lifting the loops off the prongs, passing the remaining thread through them, and pulling the knot tight. Any loose thread can be cut off with scissors, or tied together to form a closed circle. The cord can be wrapped around the lucet handle as it grows.
Lucet cord can be used for decorative edging, draw-strings, textile closures, and any other use where a strong rope is needed.
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