Demystifying the History of Knitting

Jan 26, 2023

By Vibe Fabriclore

A big thanks to the craft of knitting from the people who love to wear socks, sweaters, blankets, and warm scarves. The repetitive method of interlocking the loops with needles and yarns is at the helm of creating the most enchanting and high-quality clothing present today.

It is believed that the word “Knit” has been derived from the term “cnyttan”, which means to tie something with a knot. Since its addition to the dictionary in the 15th century, the word knit has taken on several distinct meanings. Even though there has been no documentation in reference to the exact date of the first knitted clothing, it is believed that it originated in the Middle East.

BEGINNING OF KNITTING

A great amount of evidence has been found by historians which are presumed that knitting emanated in Egypt between 500 and 1200 AD. Moreover, the fragments of this fabric were identified in Eastern Syria and are dated back to a similar time period. The snippet was curated from purled as well as plain wool which is considered to be a kind of cover-up.

Dated back to 1000-1400 AD, a white and indigo cotton sock was found in Egypt. The design on it was very intricate showcasing that somebody with great experience has curated it.

Ultimately, the art of knitting came to Spain and was adopted by the Catholics for creating accessories and clothing. It is said that during the 11th century, an arab knit silk pillow was identified within the tomb of a northern Spain monastery. As well as the crafting and painting done in the 13th century expressed that many knitted in a religious scene.

However, by the 14th century, knitting has metastasized throughout Europe and become one of the popular crafts and activities. The guilds of knitting were acknowledged with nobility membership and glided knitted clothing in becoming the status symbol.

ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY IN KNITTING

The technologies used to streamline the production of knitted clothing during the initial times were handmade. During the year 1589, the first stocking figure was introduced. The machine used to replicate the actions of the knitter’s hand was capable of knitting socks. Not much before the introduction of the circular knitting machine initiated expanding the kind of garment that can be curated with advanced technology.

FASHION STATEMENT OF KNITTED CLOTHING

The knitted sweaters, pullovers, and dresses were the fashion statement after the commencement of 1920. It entered the world of fashion for both men and women and was associated with sportswear and leisure. Such art was even embraced by Coco Chanel, building a distinguished application of such patterns and clothing. During the time of the great depression, the eminence of knitting continued its story, though it changed the route as a sense of necessity. Even though it was way cheaper to curate clothing, people still preferred to manufacture their own in place of purchasing ready-made clothing.

To ease the mass production of knit, synthetic fibers were introduced in 1950. Along with this, handmade knitting became a hobby for people as the knitting machines became more rampant, manufacturing ready-made clothing at a much faster speed in the market. Skirts, dresses, and sweaters are curated with fibers that elevated their popularity after a decade.

KNITTING CRAFT AT PRESENT

The advancement in technology offered more ease to the knitters. Social media too played a significant role in commercializing art. The application of the internet lets us communicate and share our interest with other knitters across the globe. Apparently, they tend to employ different knitting sites to connect. There are various ways such as videos and podcasts that offer ease and opportunity to enthusiasts who are willing to know more about this form of art.

Actresses like Dakota Fanning, Kate Middleton, and many more have been seen performing this activity and making hand knitting a famous hobby. Knitting fibers such as merino, cotton, silk, bamboo, and alpaca are perfect, they are now easy to access and less expensive to buy. The same is applied to different varieties of needles that are offered by people in the market. Various styles and methods in knitting are employed by the knitters which curate fascinating outcomes as well as a glorious experience in the world of knitting and art!