Wool rainbow

Feature of sprang technique is that there is no weft. A very elasticity of sprang cloth is result of that structure is completely formed with warp threads.

The warp threads are held in tension between two fixed points.
For making small item it is possible to use a portable frame with attached to it two sticks, as shown in figure. Stretch 20-30 threads between these sticks . It is impossible to stretch threads directly on a frame as the tension of the threads needs to be adjustable. It is easy to make the tension comfortable for work, having extended bindings of sticks. Instead of sticks it is possible to use the strong threads fixed on lateral faces of a frame.
To stretch the warp the thread end becomes attached to one of sticks, and the thread is led around of both sticks as many times as needed. Notice the thread upwards goes behind of sticks, downwards - before them. Threads should be in regular intervals distributed on length of sticks and their tension too should be approximately identical. The thread end also can be tied to stick.

We shall arrange our warp now. It is convenient to make that with a long thin knitting needle. We shall distribute threads consistently: one behind a needle (these threads we shall call "back"), next before a needle ("front" threads). The quantity of back and front threads should be same.

The warp is organized now and we can begin actually weaving. Each row we start interlink on the right, holding front threads on the left hand fingers . If at the big width of a cloth it is inconveniently hold all threads at once, you can interlink them as separate parts.

Row 1

With right hand pick up the first two back threads and drop the first front thread from your left hand. Then up to the end of row repeat: pick up one back thread, to the left of it drop one front thread. After picking up of last back thread you will have in left hand two front threads. Drop them.

You have now all front threads on your right hand fingers. The threads are interlinked both above and below of palm. Beat slightly the threads to top and to a bottom of work and isert needles to fix the threads.

Row 2
This row is even easier than the first. We shift front threads to the left hand fingers of and start again on the right pick up one back thread and drop one front thread to the left. Repeat this up to the row end.

Rows 1 and 2 are worked progressively towards the centre of the warp.

To secure the interlinking at the meeting point you can weave 2-3 last rows with thread. If two separate sprang items are needed, you can cut secured threads at the meeting point and knot them in pairs in each part of sprang.

This method of sprang allows to make a headdress like a Bronze Age headdress . It is free replica of the hairnet found in burial 1400 B.C.on the picture. Be agree, this model is looked quite modern despite of it's respectable age.

The design of this cap is extremely simple. Plait a cloth as width as needed. Threads at meeting point are interlocked with crochet hook. The plaiting direction have to be periodically varied to avoid of the cloth twisting. Then a braid should be passed through the top loops to gather them in one point. A braid passed through the bottom loops is tied around the back of the head .

Here is one of methods of sprang technique . If you liked this employment it is possible to look the structure that formed by picking up and dropping pairs of threads, by changing weaving direction, etc.