þráðnet

Þráðnet is an Icelandic term that refers to a net woven from threads, characterized by a fine, open mesh. The word combines þráð, meaning thread, with net, and is used to describe nets made from individual fibers rather than ropes or bulky meshes. Historically, the concept appears in rural and artisanal contexts where lightweight nets were used for catching small fish, insects, or other delicate prey, as well as in various crafts that involve netting or lace-like structures.

Construction and varieties commonly involve joining many slender fibers into a grid or lattice. Materials traditionally used for þráðnet include flax, hemp, wool, or other plant- and animal-based fibers; in modern contexts, synthetic threads may be employed. The resulting nets are typically lightweight and flexible, suitable for tasks that require a delicate yet breathable mesh. In crafts, þráðnet can also describe lacework or netting patterns that imitate the look of a simple fabric net.

Cultural and linguistic notes indicate that the term is primarily descriptive, applied to objects and patterns rather than a distinct technology or formal category. In contemporary usage, the concept of a thread-based net persists in design discussions and in descriptions of traditional textile techniques, while more specialized or industrial nets are described with more specific terminology. See also net, mesh, lace, and textile arts.