While there are many opinions as to the exact historical date
that knitting started, one thing that historians and researchers do agree on is
that knitting evolved to what we know it to be today. The earliest kin to
knitting which is considered to be defined as “formed on two sticks by pulling
loops through loops”, is a technique called nålbinding.
The first definitive pieces of knitting are from Egypt, a
pair of socks, believed to be created between 1000 – 1400 A.D. This find is followed
by discoveries of knitting done by Muslims for Christian royalty in the 11th
Century, and by “Madonna” knitting examples seen in paintings in the 13th
and 14th Centuries. It wasn’t until the 16th Century that
the purl technique was introduced.
During the 16th Century, knitting became driven
by fashion and was more easily historically traced. Royal families,
specifically the women in royal families, were drawn to the silk stockings that
could be produced using the purl stitch. The men were also attracted to these
form fitting socks which could be warn under their short pants. One of the most
recognized pieces collected from this time are a pair of Queen Elizabeth’s
stockings. The craft of knitting in the 16th Century changed from
being a menial servant’s job to a more respected craft for refined ladies.
The 17th and 18th Centuries saw
adaptions out of Scotland and now men were seen to take up the craft. Sweaters,
gloves, socks, scarves and accessories for the home were now being produced and
sold. Knitting moved from being a hobby and luxury to royalty to a livelihood
for the Scots. In the US, revolutionary war knitter, Mrs. Elliot, knit the date
“1776” into socks that she made for soldiers. And there was also controversy,
as laws were passed in the Channel Islands, forbidding knitting during the
seaweed harvest.
Moving into the 19th Century, more advanced and
intricate techniques continued to be created and introduced. Cable knitting
gained popularity as did new types of patterns and colors of yarns. In 1842,
Cornelia Mee published Manual of
Knitting, Netting and Crochet and in 1860 Peterson’s Magazine featured a pattern for a “knitting apron”.
Knitting parties were also popular during this time and they were often called
“Frolic” or “Knitting Bees”.
In 1922, The Prince of Wales started a new fashion trend by wearing a “Fair Isle” sweater on the St. Andrew’s golf course. And During the 20th Century, The Shetland Hand Knitters Association, was also formed to set quality standards and lobby to set realistic prices in 1943.
In 1922, The Prince of Wales started a new fashion trend by wearing a “Fair Isle” sweater on the St. Andrew’s golf course. And During the 20th Century, The Shetland Hand Knitters Association, was also formed to set quality standards and lobby to set realistic prices in 1943.
Knitting in the 21st Century until today continues
to be widely available as both a hobby and source of business for everyone.
Wide selections of yarn and other media are being used, many types of needles
are readily available and the craft has even received media attention as
knitting takes to the fashion runways.
Where will knitting take a place in your history?
Learn more about N. Jefferson Ltd and our wholesale knitting notions and supplies. Visit our website at http://www.njeffersonltd.com or give us a call at 604.873.4641 or 1.800.663.6142.
