The History of Knitting
The history of knitting, or lack thereof, is an interesting topic to me. If you’re curious to learn more about how knitting became, please read on.
The origins of knitting are hard to unravel. Several countries lay claims to its invention, including Persia, Israel and North Africa. Knitted garments were uncovered in Egyptian tombs, dating somewhere between the 3rd and 6th centuries.
The Nazca culture of Peru implemented knitting as an art form by weaving elaborate figurines into their cloths. This work can be seen dating as early as 100 B.C.
Knitting as an occupation was traditionally a man’s job. A trade guild, the first of its kind, was formed in 16th century Paris and the export of knitted stockings became quite a lucrative business. During this time, the first knitting machine was invented and perfected by William Lee. The introduction of knitting to Europe is claimed by both Scots and Arabs, but it’s safe to say Europe is due the credit for creating the knitting trade industry.
It’s interesting to me as a modern knitter to learn that knitting had to be done in the round and cut if need be. It’s amazing how far we’ve come – now it’s more difficult to learn how to knit in the round than knit straight!
Many of the distinctive patterns we know today have some regional and practical origin. Aran knitting and the cable stitch were introduced by the Scottish during as early as the 1600s. Much like the family plaid designs of kilts, sweaters were knitted in the family colors and worn by fisherman at sea, hence the “fisherman’s sweater”.
You may remember the Red Cross Knit Kits during WWII. These were another important part of knitting history. The kits came complete with the “Serviceman’s Socks” knitting pattern, yarn and needles, and those on the home front across America took up their needles to help our soldiers. If you’d like to support the Red Cross and own your own piece of knitting history, a Commemorative Knit Kit is available through the Red Cross store for $25. The store link is at the bottom of the Red Cross home page.
Today, knitting has become a trendy pastime, particularly in America. There are myriad yarn choices, knitting needles of all imaginable shapes, sizes and materials, and books, patterns and knit groups galore.
However knitting came to be, it is a treasured art, one that should be cherished and passed on to generations to come.
The origins of knitting are hard to unravel. Several countries lay claims to its invention, including Persia, Israel and North Africa. Knitted garments were uncovered in Egyptian tombs, dating somewhere between the 3rd and 6th centuries.
The Nazca culture of Peru implemented knitting as an art form by weaving elaborate figurines into their cloths. This work can be seen dating as early as 100 B.C.
Knitting as an occupation was traditionally a man’s job. A trade guild, the first of its kind, was formed in 16th century Paris and the export of knitted stockings became quite a lucrative business. During this time, the first knitting machine was invented and perfected by William Lee. The introduction of knitting to Europe is claimed by both Scots and Arabs, but it’s safe to say Europe is due the credit for creating the knitting trade industry.
It’s interesting to me as a modern knitter to learn that knitting had to be done in the round and cut if need be. It’s amazing how far we’ve come – now it’s more difficult to learn how to knit in the round than knit straight!
Many of the distinctive patterns we know today have some regional and practical origin. Aran knitting and the cable stitch were introduced by the Scottish during as early as the 1600s. Much like the family plaid designs of kilts, sweaters were knitted in the family colors and worn by fisherman at sea, hence the “fisherman’s sweater”.
You may remember the Red Cross Knit Kits during WWII. These were another important part of knitting history. The kits came complete with the “Serviceman’s Socks” knitting pattern, yarn and needles, and those on the home front across America took up their needles to help our soldiers. If you’d like to support the Red Cross and own your own piece of knitting history, a Commemorative Knit Kit is available through the Red Cross store for $25. The store link is at the bottom of the Red Cross home page.
Today, knitting has become a trendy pastime, particularly in America. There are myriad yarn choices, knitting needles of all imaginable shapes, sizes and materials, and books, patterns and knit groups galore.
However knitting came to be, it is a treasured art, one that should be cherished and passed on to generations to come.
Labels: knitting
posted by Megan at
8:02 AM
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