An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Strick

by Friedrich Kluge

Strick, masculine, ‘string, cord,’ from the equivalent Middle High German and Old High German stric (ck), masculine. Its connection with Strang or streichen is dubious; it is rather related to Sanscrit sraj, ‘winding, twisted ornament,’ or Sanscrit rajju, ‘string’ (for Teutonic str from Aryan sr, compare Schwester, Strom, and strecken). — Modern High German stricken, ‘to knit,’ from Middle High German stricken, Old High German stricchen, ‘to lace, clasp, plait,’ is probably a derivative.