Sprang Close Up

Sprang close up: Moving from right hand toward left hand, reach across to the next string in the back row and pull it forward.

Note: The white strings along the right hand side and running horizontally through the piece are the safety strings. The strings keep the work from unworking itself and helps establish even spacing. Using strings of different thickness can adjust the spacing. Sticks are often used in traditional sprang to hold the twist and patterns. The strings and sticks are pulled out as work progresses and are not part of the finished piece.





Moving from right hand toward left hand, reach across to the back row and pull it forward. Put finger where the two threads cross.




This picture shows the progression from the right side and how the threads cross. When I'm done working a section, I'll pull a safety string to hold that crossing point of the threads. That point is usually referred to as "the cross" by weavers and fiber artists.



Moving from right hand toward left hand, reach across to the back row and pull it forward. Put finger where the two threads cross. See how the front and back threads are held separated by fingers. Keeping the strings in line and under some tension is important to proper interlinking. I work in sections of however much my fingers can hold at one time.




You can see some more of the structure in this picture. Moving from right hand toward left hand, reach across to the back row and pull it forward. Put finger where the two threads cross.

Repeat until satisfied.

You can read more about sprang in the new book "Sprang Unsprung" by Carol James
(shameless promotion of my friend's book)

Have a good day!