Wooden handles found at Hedeby and other Viking-age settlements in northern Europe are all that remain of sprang purses. Sprang is an ancient braiding technique for making elastic fabric from threads stretched on a frame. Each time a row of sprang is worked at the top of the frame, a mirror-image row is created at the bottom. With two mirror-image sides to the cloth, sprang is well-suited to making bags (as well as hats, belts, scarves, fingerless mittens, leggings, sweaters, and more).

Students will start with the basic sprang stitch on a pre-warped frame, then finish the cloth and create a small bag. Multiple options for color patterns will be introduced. After making a couple small bags, students will have two options: 1) make a larger bag with the basic stitch; or 2) learn more sprang stitches while making a series of smaller bags. Sprang bags (with handles or drawstrings) work well for cell phones, fiber projects, dice, and other small items. Each student will move at their own pace, following their interests. For more on the range of possibilities provided by sprang, see the instructor’s website: SprangArt.com.

Wooden handles will be available in at least two sizes for purchase from the instructor. Students will choose which of their bags get handles or drawstring. The materials fee due in class will range from $20-$80, depending on handles used and whether the student buys the sprang frame used in class.

Physical ability note: Finger and wrist dexterity is required. Students should be able to sit and work in the same position for several hours a day.

This course is open to students ages 16+. Youth ages 14-15 are welcome to register with an adult.  A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Optional Tools

• Scissors
• Crochet hooks (sizes G, H, or I), knitting needles (short or circular, sizes 6-9 work best), or large-eyed tapestry needles, if you have favorites of any of these. We will use them for finishing our projects.