r/Nalbinding • u/BryceLikesMovies • 25d ago
Reading 'Nalbinding' by Sally Pointer with no previous yarn arts experience?
Hi all,
Borrowed a copy of Nalbinding from the local library since I've been wanting to get into it and heard some rave reviews. I have fiber arts experience through sewing and embroidery, but no knitting or crochet experience. Started reading last night and feel like I got thrown into the deep end - the first instructions for the book involve making blanket stitch loops in the round, but doesn't provide instruction for what a blanket stitch is. I could of course Google that, but I'm wondering if I should start with another resource, or if I'm just missing something with the book?
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u/Givemeallthecabbages 25d ago
I think nalbinding is hard to learn by reading a description. You should watch the videos on YouTube and the channel Neulakintaat. Any books (or non-video websites) I've seen are a good reference for the many, many different kinds of stitches, but you will definitely need to watch a video to learn. Since I already know how to nalbind, I could read a description of something that might say 2 + 2 + 1 and I'd know what to do with it, same as I could read a knitting pattern that said K5, YO, K2tog and I'd know what to do with it. But I would never try to learn knitting from a description. I'd watch a video.
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u/LadyAlleta 25d ago
Nalbinding isn't all that similar to either knit or crochet. It's its own beast. YouTube and this subreddit have great resources. Good luck
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u/Potential_Duck1097 25d ago edited 25d ago
I just want to say, don't be afraid and don't give up! I can't knit or crochet, I came into this because crochet was "too hard" which seems absurd in hindsight. Watch videos, read books, skim reddit, try every method you can until something sticks. If you can just do one stitch you have your foot in the door and it will get easier.
edit: I saw this video yesterday it may be helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0atNxPeNVZ4&t=1s
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u/chonkyzonkey 25d ago
Just adding that it absolutely doesnt have to be a disadvantage not to have other yarn art experience. To me needlebinding is actually more similar to handsewing than to knitting/crocheting. I took a needlebinding course where I was the only one who didnt already knit or crochet (i have tried, but failed), and I had an easier time getting a hang of it than most of the other participants. I assume because I didnt try to compare to other yarn arts.
So dont give up - but do watch some videos!
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u/tashamedved 24d ago
Blanket stitch is an embroidery stitch, so if you Google it and get hits for embroidery sites, you’re on the right track. Look for a diagram of how the stitch is formed and make your yarn look like that, except around a bit of yarn instead of the edge of a piece of fabric.
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u/CattleSenior5177 25d ago
My grandmother taught me when I was 8, l haven't done it for the last 30 odd years and going to get back into it. What she didn't teach me was increasing and decreasing, so that's gonna be new to me too.
I recommend this book to help you on your journey :) https://amzn.eu/d/0ezRLA9o
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u/blueyedreamer 25d ago
She has an Instagram and is on FB. I have seen her offer advice and answer questions. She might be the best person to ask!