Lucet is a method of cordmaking or braiding which is believed to date back to the Viking era. Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy. It closely resembles knitted I-cord or the cord produced on a knitting spool. Lucet cord is formed by a series of loops, and will therefore unravel if cut.
The only tools necessary to lucet are a length of yarn and a lucet, also called a lucet fork. The lucet fork is normally made of wood, with two prongs at one end and a handle on the other. It may also have a hole through which the cord can be pulled. The yarn is wound around the fork, forming loops, which are then lifted with the fingers over the working yarn and tightened to form the cord. The cord is wrapped around the lucet handle as it grows.
There are many techniques used for making lucet, all of which produce slightly different cords. It is even possible to produce a two-coloured cord by using two strands of yarn.
Lucet cord can be used for decorative edging, draw-strings, lacing, and any other use where a strong cord is needed.
Artisans that make lucet are considered to be part of the Rope, Cordage, and Twine Mills industry, which is NAICS code 314991.
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