Sprang

Sprang is the past tense of the verb spring and a noun in some contexts. As a verb, it denotes the act of jumping upward or forward, often suddenly. The standard past tense form is sprang, while sprung is the past participle. The word derives from Old English springan, related to similar forms in other Germanic languages.

Sprang weaving is an ancient textile technique named after this word. In sprang, warp threads are mounted on a frame and interlaced to form a lacy, stretchable fabric. The process uses a series of rods, hooks, or comb-like devices to manipulate the warp and to create interlocking loops rather than interlacing wefts as in conventional weaving. The resulting fabric has a distinctive lattice or mesh-like appearance and relatively high elasticity.

Sprang textiles have been found in several Eurasian and European sites, dating from the early centuries CE to the Middle Ages. Surviving examples are valued for their delicate yet durable structures and are often preserved as decorative bands, mantles, or components of garments. The technique is of interest to archaeologists and textile historians for insights into ancient dress and technology. Modern textile artists revive sprang to study historical methods and to experiment with the form.

Because sprang has multiple senses, context usually clarifies whether the word refers to leaping or to the textile technique.