Oslo Primer Part 1

Basic Nålbinding part 1: Oslo Stitch (F1 UO/UOO)

Taught by Gudrun Ottosdottir at University of Atlantia

Before you start you need to know...

Nalbiding is always worked left to right.
Every nalbinding project begins with the same basic pretzel-shaped loops as described in Steps 1-3.
Be aware that the first few stitches are always the hardest since it’s easy for them to lose their shape and get tangled! So I suggest you work with a firm bulky yarn that holds its shape and forms nice, round loops. You can also use cotton or hemp twine if you find it easier to work with.
In my directions below your left hand should always be positioned with the nail facing you and the thumb pad away from you. I will refer to the pad side as the “back” of the thumb and the nail side as the “front”.

Step 1: Working in a clockwise direction, make a single loop like this with the crossing point at 12 o’clock. Note: Since nalbinding is worked left to right the “tail end” will always be on the left and your “running thread” will always be on the right.

Step 2: Make a second interconnected loop by putting your needle through the front of the first loop and over the running thread so it ends up looking like an upside-down pretzel. These first 2 loops can be worked on a flat surface if that’s easiest for you.

Step 3: Making sure you keep your “pretzel” intact, slip the tip of your left thumb into the 2nd loop and make sure the running thread lies over the top of your left thumb so it’s towards you. Hold your left thumb so the nail-side is in front. Note: As you work, your running thread should always be run over the top of your left thumb coming towards you.

Step 4: This is the beginning of the “Oslo” stitch. With the 2nd loop on the tip of your left thumb, the 1st loop on the pad of your thumb, take your needle and pick up the 1st loop off the pad of your thumb with the tip of your needle. Rotate your needle counterclockwise about 45° so you can go down and pick up the 2nd loop and the running thread from the front of your thumb. The arrow shows the path your needle will follow.

Step 5: Once you have the 1st loop, 2nd loop and running thread on the tip of your needle, pass the needle and running thread all the way through all the loops (see red arrow). As you’re pulling the running thread through, remove your thumb from the 2nd loop and stick your thumb into the new loop being formed by the running thread. Note: Every time you create a new loop you will need to stick your thumb into it. So be careful not to pull your running thread so fast or tight that you make a knot instead of a new loop on your thumb!

Step 6: With the new loop around your left thumb tip, repeat steps 4-5 to make more loops and make a nice long chain! Always keep your chain positioned so it’s running off the back of your left thumb—when you get enough loops formed you can gently hold your chain in your left hand as you work. Continue to work until you have 30-40 loops and then your will learn how to connect the two ends of your chain to form a circle so you can being making a sock or mitten or cap!

Go to Part 2>>