The Art of Sprang
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Interlinking

Basic Interlinking

A chain-link-fence structure with considerable stretch, interlinking provides a cloth with which many different patterns can be created. At rest the rows lie next to each other, but when stretched small holes appear and the chain link structure become visible.
Interlinked sprang cloth photo
Relaxed interlinked sprang creates a solid cloth.
Interlinked sprang stretched cloth photo
Stretched interlinked sprang shows off the chain-link-fence structure.
Interlinked sprang drawing
Interlinked sprang structure. Threads stay vertical, linking repeatedly around their two neighbors. Drawing by Carol James.

Stripes

Depending on the arrangement of the threads, stripes can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
Interlinked sprang with vertical stripes photoVarying the warp threads creates vertical stripes.
​

Interlinked sprang horizontal stripes photo
A variegated yarn can create horizontal stripes.
Interlinked sprang with diagonal stripe photo
Alternating colored warp threads can create diagonal stripes.
Interlinked sprang diagonal stripes photo
Stretched diagonal stripes showing chain-link-fence structure.

Full Twists

Full twists can move threads sideways and create bigger holes.  Strategically placed full twists can move threads to create the different stripes illustrated above. Multiple full twists were used to make lace bonnets in Bronze Age Scandinavia.
Interlinked sprang full twists photo
Relaxed cloth with full twists in every row.
Interlinked sprang full twist photo
Stretched cloth with full twists in every row. Can you find the one stitch that is not a full twist?
Interlinked sprang full twist drawing
Rows of basic interlinking interspersed with rows of full twists. Drawing by Carol James.

Lace

Strategic placement of holes can produce a large variety of designs.  
Interlinked sprang lace photo
The holes stretch more than the interlinked surroundings, creating lacy cloth.
Interlinked sprang lace drawing
Interlinked sprang with holes created to form a diamond. Drawing by Carol James.

Surface Texture
​ Using S and Z leaning threads

Changing the direction of the "stitches" creates textured patterns that can be used for surface designs. When S and Z directions are switched in the middle of the row along diagonals, raised sections create textured designs. When S and Z directions are changed along horizontal or vertical lines the cloth remains flat and the texture changes create linear patterns.
Interlinked sprang basketweave with S & Z photo
S and Z "stitches" that switch along diagonals create a basket weave 3D texture.
Interlinked sprang with bands of S & Z texture photo
S and Z "stitches" change along horizontal rows, creating bands of texture across the cloth.
Interlinked sprang S&Z horizontal texture photo
S and Z "stitches" change along vertical rows, creating a chevron texture.

When S and Z twists are combined with alternating colors, they can change the slant of diagonal stripes.
Interlinked sprang S&Z diagonals photo
Relaxed cloth with alternating colors and rows of S and Z twist.
Interlinked sprang stretched with S&Z diagonals photo
Stretched cloth showing interlinking structure of S and Z twists.

Twining

Contrasting threads can be twined on a background of interlinking to create a variety of patterns.
Twined threads on interlinked sprang photo.
Pairs of contrasting threads twined on a background of interlinked sprang.
Twining on interlinked sprang drawing
A pair of threads twined diagonally on interlinked cloth. Drawing by Carol James.

Under 3 Interlinking

This variation on interlinked sprang carries each thread under three threads, creating a thicker fabric that retains the elasticity of basic interlinking.
Under 3 interlinked sprang photo
Relaxed under 3 interlinking creates a more solid cloth with a steeper slope to the threads.
Under 3 interlinked sprang stretched photo
Stretched under 3 interlinked fabric shows the interlinking structure with an extra crossing thread.
Picture
Drawing of under 3 interlinking by Carol James.

Transpositions

When the cloth is made in narrow widths it can be manipulated as tabs, similar to cables in knitting. My favorite is to create braids within the braided fabric.
Sprang braid transposition photo
Three strand braid in interlinked cloth.
interlinked sprang braid photo
Five strand braid in interlinked cloth.

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  • Home
  • Basics
    • Resources
    • Structures >
      • Interlinking
      • Interlacing
      • Intertwining
      • Double Cloth
  • Projects
    • Pouches and Bags
    • Labyrinths
    • Scarves and Belts
    • Leggings
    • Hats
    • Towels
  • Musings
  • About