Knitting Through The Ages - A Brief History
Knitting is a vast source for creativity due to the variety, flexibility and adaptability of patterns in knitting are practically infinite. That sweater pattern that you are using, is part of a result formed by many hands before yours. And because you are continuing to use that pattern, you are participating in the folk art history.
Surprisingly knitting has been developed largely by men, not women. Curious how this can be, since in todays time the majority of knitters is female? Buckle up and join me in exploring the knitting past.
Origins and early days
The historical origin appears to be a bunch of loose threads, tangled in certain time and locations, forming evidence of early existence dating back to 500-1200 AD in Egypt and Syria.
During the middle ages already a more widely spread web of knitting relicts across Europe and prove the increased popularity of the technique. Knitting developed into a proper piece of art and was cultivated by knitter guildes founded and pursuit by men. Back in the days the women’s duty was to spin the wool and it was the privilege of the men to knit. Around that time the word "knit" was added to the dictionaries and is believed to come from the word "cnyttan".
As any other skill, knitting evolved over time and different technological advances have been invented to increase efficiency of the process, like the circular knitting machine. But only with the invention of the steam machine during the industrial revolution, knitting eventually found its way in a factory and pathed the way for the mass market. The side effect was the overshadowing of the hand knitting business, which got forced into the corner of leisure activity.
Cultural significance
Tradition
Knitting has always been passed down as traditional skills from generation to generation. It is fascinating to explore the different varieties of knitting patterns and techniques of each country/region.
20th century
Knitting became a big fashion player in the 20s. Knitted pullovers got introduced as fashion pieces, Vogue magazine and high fashion started to feature knitted products. Coco Chanel incorporated knits into many of her legendary garments and brought the art of knitting to the forefront of fashion. The Vogue Archives are a great source to explore all of their issues through the different decades.
But it also became popular as leisure sport activity attire for golf, tennis and cricket.
The World Wars prompted a renewed interest in knitting as people were encouraged to support the war effort by making knitted clothing for soldiers. Also socio-economic crises like the Great Depression made people pick up yarn and needles to knit their own clothes that was cheaper than buying. Mending skills helped to expand the lifecycle of their garments for as long as possible and save money.
In case you are interested in vintage patterns, the Victoria and Albert museum has various knitting patterns from the 40s for to download for free.
In the 50s and 60s knitting gained a boost through the introduction of new bright colours, and the invention of synthetic yarns that were cheaper in production and led to mass produced knit fabrics. Magazines offered inspiration and pattern ideas for the knitter at home.
However that interest vanished away during the 80s and 90s and knitting was seen as “old-fashioned”. Sweat garments took over as sportswear and knits were worn as smart casual pieces.
Today’s knitting culture
Let’s move on from the past and blow off some dust from those needles.
In the past decades knitting has gained popularity among a lot of other DIY hobbies. An essential role in this uprise plays the internet, by increasing accessibility to knowledge resources and inspiration and popularity through social media. Knitting pattern designers are emerging like mushrooms from the ground and charging their designs with that extra special portion of modern sense which will convert any anti-knitter into an advocate for this art. I am linking my favourite designers here.
But it also plays an integral part in crafting a strong international community and helping to uplift knitting into the very chic hobby it is today. Platforms like Youtube make it very easy for a beginner’s knitter to learn techniques and get a lot of the beginners questions answered. The accessibility to a wider assortment of yarn has grown significantly with the option of online shopping.
Furthermore offline knitting has evolved too. Yarn stores are adapting in specializing to clients and niches. Yarn festivals create an offline platform to connect and exchange, for knitters, yarn brands, sheep farmers and everyone who is interested. And whenever I see someone knitting in public my heart makes a little jump.
Anyone who loves the coziness of sweaters, socks or scarves owes a big “Thank you” to the craft of knitting.
