History of Viking Knit

Viking Knit (also known as Trichinopoly chain) is the ancient art form of wire knitting that often attributed to the Anglo-Saxon Norse between the 8th and 10th century CE.

However, examples of this knitting technique have also been found at Greek, Roman and Byzantine archaeological dig sites dating as far back at the 1st century BCE.

Viking knit chains are formed by knitting a long continuous wire around a dowel (or something similar).

Once the chain is knit, it is drawn through a drawplate, which shrinks the diameter of the chain while also lengthening it.

The Vikings used Trichinopoly chains to make jewelry, trim clothing, trim decorative objects and even to make tools. Materials used to make these items were often gold or silver, but copper objects have also been found.

Scourge (multi-thong whip used to inflict severe torture or penance) from the British Museum

Paten (A plate used during religious ceremonies) from the British Museum

Viking knit is often confused with the older loop-in-loop chain as they are nearly indistinguishable without a jewelry loupe.

The difference…? Instead of using one continuous piece of wire, loop-in-loop uses a series of fused links that have been bent together.

Viking Knit Necklace from the National Museum of Finland