Over the past several months I have dabbled with the Norwegian pattern “krokbragd”. It’s a design based on 3 shaft threading and treadling which is well documented by Debby Greenlaw in her book “Krokbragd: How to Design and Weave” and in many other sources. I became more interested in the structure when my husband and I visited a cousin in Oslo in 2018 where I saw a tapestry woven by my great grandmother.
I resolved to replicate the design and thus began my krokbragd journey. I researched the topic reading articles online and acquired Greenlaw’s book. I wove several mug rugs based on patterns I found in Handwoven Magazine. I then located a source for Norwegian wool yarn (spelsau yarn) and purchased colors which seemed close to what my great grandmother had used. It is “Frid” yarn which is made in Norway at Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk. It can be ordered in the U.S. from Norsk Fjord Fiber (https://norskfjordfiber.com/). I found that the yarn packed in so well that I had to adjust my warp sett several times before finding the sweet spot!
Finally, this summer I embarked on weaving some mug rugs based on her design. It took several attempts at finding the right warp yarn and sett. I settled at using 8/4 cotton/poly for a warp at 8 ends per inch.
I learned a lot by sampling various warp setts and by working hard to maintain fairly even selvedges at the frequent color changes. I used doubled float selvedges and found that keeping the weft yarn at a 45 degree angle while snugging the yarn close to the edges really helped to keep draw in a minimum. I also alternated selvedge edges when changing colors to reduce bulkiness.
While they are not perfect, I’m happy with how they turned out and will be looking to weaving a larger version based on my great grandmother’s tapestry.
These mug rugs will be find a home with my Norwegian cousins later this summer when we visit Oslo again.
References:
Greenlaw, Debby. “Krokbragd: How to Design & Weave,” 2019
Patrick, Jane. “Krokbragd: Pattern in Twill Only Three Shafts,” Handwoven, March/April 2001, pp. 64-66.
Loomcraft Weaver 