A History of Hand Knitting

This reference provides a full history of hand knitting by tracing the development and refinement of the craft. With special attention to the social aspects of knitting, it examines the changes in tools and techniques within different regions. Examined in detail are the history of European knitting before 1500, knitting in Britain from Henry VIII to the Commonwealth, from the Restoration to 1835, during the 19th century, and during World War I and after. Further explorations consider local traditions in the British Isles, knitting as practiced east of the Adriatic, and developments in the Americas. Absorbing reading for knitters and nonknitters alike, this book also defines knitting in relation to other yarn crafts such as crochet and nalbinding and offers a historical glossary and a transcription of the earliest known English knitting pattern. Hand knitting, to date, has received relatively little attention from textile historians. In this full history of the craft, the author offers a definition of the process in relation to other yarn crafts such as crochet. Literary evidence is drawn upon and the social aspects of knitting are a main concern. Well-known legends about knitting history are re-evaluated and the development of techniques and tools is covered, together with the history of the craft from before 1500 to the present day. Some local traditions of the British Isles are investigated, including the knitting of Shetland, Aran, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Yorkshire Dales. Knitting tradtions east of the Adriatic and in the Americas have separate chapters, and the book includes a historical glossary and a transcription of the earliest English knitting pattern. Richard Rutt's previous books have been about Korean and Chinese literature. In this full history of hand knitting from before 1500 to the present, the author offers a definition of the process in relation to other yarn crafts drawing upon literary evidence, the social aspects of knitting and legends. Techniques and tools and some local traditions are also examined. Richard Rutt. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. 243-244.