Beginning Nålbinding

3 Sundays, October 18, 25 and November 1: 1 PM - 4 PM

Learn the folk art tradition of nålbinding using a handcrafted wooden needle and continuous strand of wool yarn. Artifacts dating back 10,000 years show that nålbinding has been a universal technique found around the world. In this class, students will learn several nalbinding stitches and then choose one to make a hat. Current samples, as well as pictures of historical pieces will be shown as inspiration, such as the Coppergate or York sock from the Viking era and Coptic sock from 3rd century AD Egypt. 

Start by making a short length of rope, then work through a series of hands-on labs, each focused on a different family of knots. 

  • Tuition: $196 per participant

  • Apply for a scholarship

  • Materials Fee:$20 (cash only, payable at first class session), students are also required to provide their own yarn for their final project.

  • Required / Optional Tools: none

  • Age / Ability Level: Beginners, ages 14 and up.

  • Students will learn several nalbinding stitches and then choose one to make a hat.

  • CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive learning community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and able to participate. As we launch our first workshop series, we are dedicating space in each class for reduced-tuition scholarships to support anyone facing financial barriers. As we build a more robust scholarship program, we hope this initial launch will remove barriers and expand access to hands-on learning for all.

    Anyone with financial need is encouraged to apply for a half-tuition scholarship. To be considered, please submit a brief online application. Please note that CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is operating with limited financial resources and an entirely volunteer staff. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a spot for every applicant. Each class has one scholarship slot available. Applicants who are not selected in this current round are welcome to reapply.  Apply here

  • CPC is able to provide refunds up to two weeks before the start date of the class for which the registration was submitted, though we do retain a $20 fee for return payment processing. If you need to cancel your class within the two week window, a refund is not guaranteed, but will be considered based on several factors.

    If CPC needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment, teacher illness, or other factors, you will receive a full refund. Read our full set of policies.

meet your instructor

Melba Granlund is a weaving and handcraft instructor dedicated to preserving historical Scandinavian folk art traditions. Melba teaches weaving techniques on the warp weighted loom, tapestry and rigid heddle looms as well as other handcrafts including nålbinding, Viking Knit jewelry, needle felting, and rug making. In her classes, Melba's philosophy is to not only teach the techniques but also the historical and cultural context in which they evolved over the millennia.