Vikg-Whipcord-art - 2/23/18
"'Viking' Whipcord" by HL Giraude Benet.
NOTE: See also these files: Bobbin-Lace-art, Finger-Weavng-art, P-Lace-Bobins-art, Sq-Lucet-Cord-art, Viking-Bling-art, Norse-games-art.
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NOTICE -
This article was added to this set of files, called Stefan's Florilegium, with the permission of the author.
These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org
Copyright to the contents of this file remains with the author or translator.
While the author will likely give permission for this work to be reprinted in SCA type publications, please check with the author first or check for any permissions granted at the end of this file.
Thank you,
Mark S. Harris...AKA:..Stefan li Rous
stefan at florilegium.org
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'Viking' Whipcord
by HL Giraude Benet
Round four-strand braids are common in many cultures across many time periods. In historical recreation communities both in the United States and in Denmark, a four-strand braided cord that has come to be called "Viking" whipcord is commonly made, used, and demonstrated at public events. This is mainly due to a reference Margrethe Hald makes in her book "Ancient Danish Textiles from Bogs and Burials" regarding a leather cord that appears to be made in this fashion. There is also a photo in the book of a set of braiding bobbins used to make whipcord, but it isn't clear from where and when these particular bobbins hail. There is, in fact, little archeological evidence that whipcord made using weighted bobbins was used by the Norse during the Viking period. There is a document from late period (1590) ratifying the marriage contract between Jacob VI of Scotland (1566-1625) and princess Anne of Denmark that has seal tags made of four-strand braids of this type. There is also a four-strand braid made of more fine four-strand braids (Boutroup 2006).
Regardless of the dubious history of "Viking" whipcord, however, it is useful and fun to make, and might even be suitable for keeping children occupied at events making medallion cords and seal tags.
All that's needed to braid whipcord are four relatively heavy bobbins, the yarn or string to be braided, a friend and a place to suspend the braid while you're working. Did I mention you also need a friend to work this braid with? Yes, it goes faster a two-person job, and that's all part of the fun!
Bobbins: Bobbins similar to the ones shown in Hald can be made from items found in your local craft store. Master Richard Wymarc has published an excellent set of instructions for how to make bobbins like this. In a pinch, plastic soda bottles filled with water, pebbles, or sand will also serve.
Thread: Wool, linen, silk...any thread that will hold the weight of the bobbins will work. Threads can be used as a single strand, or looped for a thicker, sturdier cord. Measure out three or so yards of your thread (six if you are going to work with a doubled thread) and tie one end to your bobbin. Wind the thread onto the bobbin until you have about a yard free, and secure with a half hitch. Repeat until you have four full bobbins. Tie the ends of the four threads together so that all the bobbins are suspended from this knot.
Space: You will need to have a space where you can suspend the four bobbins from their threads to work the braiding. Hopefully you have access to an obliging tree, or some other overhead beam where you can anchor your braid and have room to work.
How to Braid: Stand facing your braiding partner. Each of you will have one bobbin in each hand. If you are using two or more colors of thread on your bobbins, you can vary the pattern of the braid you make by starting with the colors in different hands (see diagram).
First: Pass the left-hand bobbins to each other (see diagram) Second: Pass the right hand bobbins to each other (see diagram)
Repeat these moves until you begin to run out of thread to braid. You will want to stand closer together as the braid progresses -- this will help keep the braid even. When necessary, stop and unwind more thread from the bobbins, and also wind up the braided cord to increase your room to braid. Keep track of where you stop so that you won't have any disruption in the pattern of your braid!
Striped Pattern Spiral Pattern
(diagram from "Interlocking" pamphlet, Skoletjenesten Vikingeskibsmuseet)
Other names for whipcord include "interlocking," "spoon tossing" (when knob-topped pewter spoons are used as bobbins), or "battle braiding" (remember to be kind to your braiding partner and not toss the bobbins too hard).
References:
Boutrup, Joy “Braided seal-strings on a document from 1590” L-M BRIC News 9, 2006.
Hald, Margrethe. Ancient Danish Textiles from Bogs and Burials. National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, 1980.
Interlocking. Skoletjenesten Vikingeskibsmuseet 1999
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Copyright 2017 by Jill Sibley. <giraudebenet at hotmail.com>. Permission is granted for republication in SCA-related publications, provided the author is credited. Addresses change, but a reasonable attempt should be made to ensure that the author is notified of the publication and if possible receives a copy.
If this article is reprinted in a publication, please place a notice in the publication that you found this article in the Florilegium. I would also appreciate an email to myself, so that I can track which articles are being reprinted. Thanks. -Stefan.
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