lucets

A lucet is a small, handheld tool used for cordmaking by weaving threads around its prongs to produce lucet cords. The traditional lucet is two-pronged, fork-shaped, and made from wood, though variations in bone, ivory, or plastic exist. The instrument has a notch or slot between the prongs to help guide and anchor the growing cord, which is typically compact and square in cross-section.

Lucets date to ancient and medieval Europe, with widespread use in Viking Age and later communities. They were common household tools, especially among women, for making cords used in garments, belts, laces, and decorative trim. Archaeological finds and historical writing indicate a long-standing tradition of lucet braiding across northern and central Europe, where the craft was valued for its simplicity and the durability of the cords produced.

Technique and variations: A length of thread is anchored around the two prongs. The worker wraps the working thread around alternating prongs, drawing the loops over the previous ones to form a continuous cord. The cord grows from the end between the prongs and can be stopped or trimmed as needed. While two-pronged lucets are standard, there are three- or four-pronged versions that allow thicker cords or different patterns, though the two-prong model remains most common. Modern crafters may use synthetic or natural fibers and may work with multiple strands to vary texture and strength.

Modern use: Today, lucets are used by hobbyists and reenactors to create cords for clothing, jewelry, bags, and decorative edging. They appear in fiber-arts communities, craft kits, and historical costuming, reflecting both practical heritage and ongoing experimentation with cord textures and patterns.