Nalbinding stitches are most commonly known by names (where the first example was found, who designed it, etc.). For cataloging purposes, though, several notation systems have been developed.
Each notation system has its advantages and drawbacks, and they often work best together to more fully define a stitch.
Hansen
Egon Hansen developed this system in 1990. It’s one of the most popular and widely used.
Advantages
- Describes both symmetric and asymmetric stitches
- Describes the complete course of the yarn for each stitch
Disadvantages
- Can’t describe stitches that have twisted loops instead of flat, circular loops
- Sometimes needs additional information or diagrams for complex stitches
- Not intuitive when working off the thumb
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The crossing points (U, O, and other symbols) are listed in clockwise order, for right-handed nalbinders.
In a symmetrical stitch, every previous loop is crossed going both in (before the turn) and out (after the turn). The last letter (usually O) indicates the working yarn crossing itself and ending the stitch.
Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| U | Yarn below (under) a previous loop |
| O | Yarn above (over) a previous loop |
| (U) or (O) | |
| / | Turning point where the working yarn reverses direction as it passes through the oldest rear loop. This is usually where the needle changes from front-to-back to back-to-front. |
| F (F1, F2, etc.) | Connection to the previous row from the front (F), with the number of loops picked up |
| B (B1, B2, etc.) | Connection to the previous row from the back (B), with the number of loops picked up |
| M (M1, M2, etc.) | Connection to the previous row from the middle (M), with the number of loops picked up |
| : | Additional turning point within one loop |
Sometimes, you may see Hansen notation written with numbers: U1O2U3 / O3U2O1 O0 (Dalby stitch). This can help with keeping track of which previous loop is which in complex stitches.
When reading Hansen notation and comparing it to your work, it’s usually easier to take your work off your thumb and lay it flat. The path of the yarn will make a lot more sense that way, relative to the notation.
Nordland
Odd Nordland developed this system in 1961. He mostly studied net-like strainers for filtering liquids, mittens, and footwear.
Advantages
- Describes stitches without the need for reference images
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t describe the path of the yarn clearly
- Only works for symmetrical stitches
- No notation for how stitches are linked to the previous row
- Only describes one quarter of the yarn’s path for each stitch