Nalbinding Chain

Work a length of chain until it fits around your head.
For this hat, I worked a chain of approximately 90 stitches – 24 inches (61 cm).
I make the chain about an inch longer than what I need, as it takes a few stitches for the nalbinding loops to fully form.

How to Make a Nalbinding Chain
One method of making a nalbinding chain:
Thread the nalbinding needle with 2 – 5 meters of wool yarn.
At one end form a small loop by wrapping it around your index finger.
Leave this knotted loop fairly loose in tension.
Place the loop between your thumb and index finger.
Wrap the wool yarn around your thumb twice.
Slip the needle through the loop between your thumb
and through the 2 loops you have formed on your thumb.
Pull the yarn through all of the loops and
Wrap the yarn once again around your thumb.
This forms a new loop on your thumb.

With the nalbinding needle pick up the old loop on your thumb and the first loop that is between your thumb and index finger.
Turn the needle and pass it through the loops that are on your thumb.
Pull the yarn through.
This forms the next loop.

Repeat this loop making process until you have the desired length of chain / and number of loops required.

If you are having problems making a nalbinding chain, you can cheat by making a chain using a crochet chain stitch. Use a large crochet hook so that your loops quite loose.

Once the chain is a sufficient length, the 2 ends are joined together to create a circle (similar to the crochet technique. The rest of the hat is worked in the round. When you join the chain together to begin the first row of nalbinding, skip the first few stitches. These can be unpicked once the project has been completed.

How to Make a Nalbinding Chain – YouTube