Nålebinding Workshop

Description

The Nålebinding Workshop is a full-day, hands-on introduction to one of the world’s oldest and most enduring textile crafts. Taking place from 09:00 to 17:00, this immersive workshop offers participants the opportunity to learn a rare and endangered skill in a relaxed, supportive environment with close, expert instruction. With a maximum group size of eight, the day is intentionally kept small to ensure plenty of individual guidance and the chance to work at a comfortable pace. The workshop is suitable for those aged 16 and over, with under-18s welcome when accompanied by an adult. By the end of the day, participants will have created a warm, durable, and beautifully functional beanie hat, crafted entirely by hand using traditional nålebinding techniques. An Ancient Craft with Modern Relevance Nålebinding is recognised on the Heritage Crafts Red List as an endangered craft. Its origins stretch back over 8,000 years, with archaeological examples dating to 6000 BC and widespread use throughout the 5th to 10th centuries AD. It predates both knitting and crochet and was once an essential skill for producing hard-wearing garments capable of withstanding harsh climates. Unlike knitting, nålebinding uses a single needle and short lengths of wool yarn, creating a dense, resilient fabric that resists unraveling and provides exceptional warmth—making it ideal for hats, mittens, and socks in cold environments. Throughout the day, instructors share the history, folklore, and practical uses of nålebinding, grounding the craft in its cultural and functional context while keeping the focus firmly on hands-on learning. Learning the Craft Participants are guided step by step through the process of creating a beanie hat using the Oslo stitch, one of the most widely used and versatile nålebinding stitches. You will learn: How nålebinding differs from knitting and crochet The types of needles used and how they are traditionally made How to create “the start” — often considered the most challenging stage Thumb tensioning and stitch control Building and joining a chain of Oslo stitches Shaping techniques including increases and reductions Creating strong, neat felted joins Because nålebinding does not use fixed patterns, the workshop places emphasis on understanding form and fit rather than following instructions blindly. If you are making a hat for yourself, measurements can be taken on the day. If the hat is intended as a gift, participants should bring: Head circumference Crown-to-brim measurement This ensures a well-fitting, comfortable finished garment. A Relaxed and Supportive Environment The workshop is held at the World of Bushcraft Centre in the Peak District, providing a welcoming and inspiring setting for learning traditional skills. Instruction is delivered in a friendly, patient manner, making the day suitable for complete beginners as well as those with existing textile or craft experience. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the day, encouraging a relaxed atmosphere where questions and conversation are welcomed. Only paid participants will have materials allocated for hands-on work. Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. In Summary The Nålebinding Workshop offers a rare chance to learn an ancient, endangered craft and leave with a practical, hard-wearing garment made entirely by hand. Participants gain not only a finished beanie hat, but a solid foundation in a skill that connects history, sustainability, and self-reliance. This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in heritage crafts, traditional skills, textile history, or creating functional clothing using time-proven methods.

What's included in the price?

All materials needed for the workshop plus tea and coffee.

Cancellation policy

Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Woodland Ways

with Craft Courses since 2022

Message the tutor

We are first and foremost a leading bushcraft company employing a small close knit and highly experienced team of individuals. Together we hope to bring you the very best in Bushcraft & Survival Courses both in the UK and overseas bushcraft training courses and experiences. Over the years since Woodland Ways' inception we have become widely recognised for the diversity of courses we operate and the utmost attention to detail and professionalism imparted on those courses. Our delivery of activities on courses has safety, enjoyment and learning at the forefront of everything we do. By an appropriate blend of explanation, demonstration and participation you will be encouraged to gain as much hands on experience of bushcraft as possible. We operate courses the year round in a range of outdoor arenas from our own diverse British woodlands, to the far flung reaches of the African bush and the wilder places of Europe. The natural environment supports us, inspires us and is fundamental to our businesses success. As such we have a very strong message of environmental sustainability and sensitivity. Woodland management and respect of flora and fauna feature throughout all of our courses. Our ethos is designed to show you how to have a minimum reliance on modern materials and equipment and instead to really work with nature and her seasonal variability for your comfort and needs out of doors. It is important for us to clearly state we do not promote heavy handed boot camp approaches to our activities and neither do we rely on a more spiritual ethos (although we respect both traditions) rather we see ourselves as non-romantic, practical woods people. We want you to leave our bushcraft courses with a new skill set and great memories.