Lucet Braiding
Lucet — Hand Cord-Making Tools for Braiding, Plaiting & Decorative Ropework
A lucet is a small, two-pronged hand tool used to make square, braided cord from yarn, thread, or fine cord. The user loops fiber around the two prongs in a repeating figure-eight pattern, lifting the lower loop over the upper to form a chain of interlocked stitches — producing a firm, uniform cord without needles, hooks, or complex equipment.
Lucet cord-making is one of the oldest portable fiber crafts, with documented use dating back several centuries across Europe. The technique goes by several names including lucet braiding, lucet work, and chain plaiting.
What lucets are used to make:
- Decorative cord, trim, and braid for clothing and accessories
- Drawstrings for bags, garments, and pouches
- Shoelaces, bookmarks, and jewelry
- Historically accurate costume trim and reenactment accessories
What you need:
A lucet tool and any smooth, plied yarn or thread — wool, cotton, silk, and linen all work well. No pattern or backing fabric required.
Lucet work is well-suited to beginners and experienced fiber artists alike. The repetitive motion is easy to learn and portable enough to take anywhere.
If you don't find exactly what you want, or would like a braiding product recommendation, please call the shop directly at 800-441-9665 or contact us for assistance.
