Knitting History

There has been much speculation as to when and where people began knitting. There are paintings of the Madonna knitting, so does that mean that the craft is more than 2000 years old? Is it true that the reason a lottery was held for Jesus's garment was because it was knitted, and cutting it would destroy it?

Although it would be lovely if those stories were true, there is no solid evidence to indicate that knitting as we know it was being done prior to the mid-12th century. It is quite possible that knitting grew out of a process called nailbinding, which produces a fabric that usually resembles a twisted stockinette stitch and is accomplished using a threaded needle. The evolution from nailbinding to knitting probably first took place in Egypt.

So what of the knitting Madonna paintings? The earliest of these paintings dates from prior to 1350 and was painted in Italy, so this does prove that knitting was being done in Italy in the mid-14th century, but not that Mary was a knitter, any more than the Renaissance Annunciation paintings prove that Mary's confinement took place against a Tuscan backdrop.

And what of Jesus's garment? Evidence suggests that it was almost certainly woven, and the weaving of a large seamless cloth in those days was clearly customary.

So, about 850 years ago knitting as we know it was born, most probably in Egypt. From there it spread, via nomads and along trade routes, and has gone in and out of fashion cyclically ever since. Sometimes fashion was enforced by Royal decree, as in the case of Henry VII's edict that the vast majority of the population must wear knitted caps on Sundays and holidays. Those flouting the law were liable to pay a hefty fine.

At other times knitting was revived as a result of world events. During the World Wars many at home knitted socks, hats and scarves for those in the military, and during the Great Depression handknitting provided not only essential warm clothing, but also a pastime when there was little entertainment available.

Unsurprisingly, knitting has endured more consistently in colder climates. Scandinavians have evolved a superb heritage of colourwork in sweaters, socks and mittens, while the United Kingdom has developed a reputation for the ultimate high fashion design in handknits.

During the 1970s handknitting again became popular as part of an arts and crafts revival by those seeking what they perceived as a more peaceful and natural way of life.

The current resurgence of handknitting began in the late 1990s, and following 11 September 2001, many people turned again to knitting for its soothing, relaxing properties. Also, because many people's work in the 21st century does not produce a tangible end product, great pride is taken from completing a beautiful handmade object. The internet has played an enormous part in making available patterns, yarn, assistance with problems and enduring friendships amongst people who share a passion for creating with fibre.