'There's magic in the web of it': Sprang Workshop for Beginners

Directed by Carey Fleiner

When: Monday 07 July, 19.00-21.00
Where: University House: Beechgrove Room
Price: £47.50

Sprang is a method of constructing fabric that dates from prehistoric times and which has been used in a variety of cultures and traditions across several continents. Finished objects resemble fabrics constructed by knitting or netting, but the technique is very different. Sprang involves plaiting warp only threads on a frame to create an elastic fabric. Samples have been found from Coptic Egypt as well as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden from the Viking Age onwards.

In this two-hour workshop, participants will learn the basics of sprang, including: how to craft a bowed frame and set it up for sprang weaving; how to warp a small twocolour warp with cotton yarn; the basics of interlinking; how to make Z-twist stitch and S-twist stitch; and how to chain off the finished piece.

Students will learn these basics on a small practice piece and then will be able to start a larger piece (which generally can be turned into a small bag) which, if they do not finish in class, will be able to finish at home. Students may keep their frame and yarn to continue and finish their work at home and for future projects. Students will be provided with sustainably sourced materials to make the frame, two skeins of coloured cotton yarn to learn the technique, a small latch-hook (for finishing), and an additional selection of yarns for their second project.

No experience with textile work is necessary! The class will begin with a short talk about sprang and evidence for its history and practice. Sample work and book recommendations will be on display.

Carey Fleiner is currently Senior Lecturer in Classical (Roman) History at the University of Winchester. Her areas of research include Roman women and entertainment and sport in the Classical world. She learnt to embroider, knit, and crochet as a child, and later learnt spinning, weaving, and nalbinding. She has exhibited and won awards for her work especially throughout the United States. She is keen on the history of textiles and techniques of all sorts, especially in the Classical period. In practice, she enjoys cotton-spinning on the charkha, wool-combing, and working with exotic fibres and blends. Visit her website: cdfleiner.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @AugustaAtrox.

This workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is recommended. Attendees must be over 16.