Viking Knit Made Using the Lazee Daizee™
by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
Instructions
Step 1
Assemble the Viking Knit tool per the manufacturer's instructions--inserting the Lazee Daizee into the top of the rod (if it isn't already in place). Using a pair of nylon jaw pliers, straighten a 3-foot section of 26-gauge wire.
Step 2
Insert one end of the wire into the diagonal anchor hole in the rod. Pass enough wire through the hole so it exits the other side and so there is a 1- to 2-inch tail.
Step 3
Pass the other end of the wire through the hole of the Daizee that is above the diagonal hole on the rod.
Using your non-dominant hand--anchor the Daizee with your forefinger and the wire tail with your ring finger. Using your dominant hand, gently pull all of the working wire through the Daizee. Cross the working wire over the length of the wire just created between the Daizee and the rod. Pass the end of the wire through the next hole of the Daizee. As you are pulling, do not pull the wire from the previous loop tighter, maintain equal sizing by using the indent on the rod as your guide.
Repeat until you've completed six loops (or however many you would like in your weave), working all the way around the Daizee, maintaining equally sized loops and keeping each loop positioned on its coordinating flat side of the rod--this first row establishes the pattern.
Step 4
Pass the working wire from right to left under the first loop.
Gently pull the wire all the way through then pass the working wire to the right over the previously placed length of wire. Pass the end of the wire, from right to left, under the next loop.
Tip: If it is challenging to pass the wire under the loop, use the tip of the push-pin to pull the wire away from rod.
Step 5
Repeat all the way around the rod for 3-5 rows.
Step 6
Pull the anchor wire (tail) out of the diagonal hole and trim closely to the work so it will be hidden.
Step 7
Repeat Step 4 until you run out of wire or you reach the length you desire.
Tip: Occasionally remove the Daizee from the rod, insert the pointed end of the rod into the weave to open the weave up a bit. This will help make the weaving easier, maintain an equal diameter along the entire length as well as ensure your woven section won't get stuck on the rod.
To Add New Wire:
- Prepare a new length of wire as in Step 1
- Free the Daizee from the rod and pull the weave up the length of the rod so the last formed loop is over the diagonal anchor hole
- Insert the end of the new length of wire through the last loop of the weave and down through the diagonal hole. Pass enough wire through so you have a 1- to 2-inch tail. While anchoring the tail to the rod, weave the new length of wire for five loops.
- Remove the knit from the rod. Neatly twist together the new tail and the tail left from the previous wire.
- Place the knit back onto the rod and begin weaving again. Be sure to pass the working wire under the twisted tails as you come around to the beginning of each new row; this will secure the start and stop points. Repeat this for three rows.
- Remove the weave from the rod and trim the tails close to the weave
Step 8
Continue weaving until you need more wire or you reach the length you desire.
Once you reach the length you desire for your design, remove the Daizee and the woven wire section from the rod. Using wire cutters, cut the tops of the loops along the Daizee. Remove the woven section from the Daizee. Remove any scrap pieces of wire that haven't fallen away.
Step 9
Cut three 8-inch lengths of wire that will not be part of the design. Insert one wire through one loop on row 2 of the weave. Pass the wire across the opening of the woven tube and through the loop on the other side of the tube.
Insert the other two wires in the same manner--crisscrossing across the opening of the woven tube.
Bring the six ends of scrap wire together above the woven tube and twist them together.
Step 10
Roll the tube in the conditioning cloth to even out the surface of the weave.
Step 11
Put the twisted wires through the opening on the draw plate that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the woven tube--most likely the 7/16 or 3/8 inch opening. Pull the tube through the opening.
Continue pulling the woven tube through the openings on the draw plate, working down three or four levels to the 1/4 inch opening.
Finish according to your design or to the instructions in your project.
Have a question regarding this tutorial? Email Customer Service.
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