Sprang

Sprang is an ancient method of constructing fabric that has a natural elasticity. Its appearance is similar to netting, but unlike netting sprang is constructed entirely from warp threads. Archaeological evidence indicates that sprang predates knitting; the two needlework forms bear a visible resemblance and serve similar functions but require different production techniques.

Although examples of sprang have been unearthed from as early as the bronze age, sprang was almost entirely undocumented in written records until the late nineteenth century when archaeological finds generated interest in Europe. Museum examples of sprang had been misidentified as knitting or lace until discoveries of ancient examples prompted reexamination of newer pieces. Subsequently, sprang has been identified in a variety of cultures and traditions across several continents. Its practice as a folk art waned during the twentieth century and sprang traditions have disappeared in most locales. Knitting has largely supplanted sprang.

Sprang, due to it's elasticity, served useful, everyday purposes for clothing, much as knitted fabrics do today. The technique was commonly used for different kinds of headgear, such as caps, hoods, bonnets, hairnets and snoods, as well as for stockings, mittens, collars and sashes. Other analysis of fragments shows that capes, drawstring bags and lacy woollen pieces that may have been scarves have been made in a method that is similar to modern sprang, with the delicate patterns of slits, looped closings and changed directions of twists are evident.

Links

• Saxon and Viking Crafts
• and Roman Byzantine Hairnets