by Meaghan Louise

Created on: August 02, 2008   Last Updated: July 31, 2011

The actual true origins of knitting have proved hard to trace. Evidence of this craft has been found in many regions worldwide, from Egypt to England. The earliest pieces of evidence found so far was located in Egypt. These were fragments of what appeared to be knitted socks that were dated between 1000 and 1300 CE(common era).But these fragments have come under some dispute as many scholars believe that these fragments were not actually produced using any technique that we would associate with knitting(or crochet) today,but were in fact the result of another fabric making technique known as nalebinding.

What we do know for certain is that the first recorded trade union devoted to the craft of knitting as a profession was founded in Paris in 1527. IKnitting was originally a male-only profession, but was to become a household activity when knitted stockings became popular. By the late 1600's between one and two million knitted stockings were being exported from England to Europe(yearly?).

Socks and stockings were the earliest pieces of knitted clothing as the technique allowed for the shaping of the cloth to mold to the angles of the foot so that the garment would stay in place and not slide down inside the shoe/boot. But this was not to be the only creative and effective use of the craft.

To quote directly from Nancy Thomas' 2004 work "Barnes and Noble Basics: Knitting and Crochet"-'Legend has it that sailors wore sweaters with their family pattern knit into them so that their bodies could be identified if they died at sea.' Whilst this is a rather morbid application of the craft, it is quite notable for it's practicality.

By the Victorian era, knitting had become principally a domestic craft.During this era, knitting skills were refined and documented.The challenge became the production of intricate examples of one's own abilities.

During the First World War the public was called upon to provide socks and jerseys and balaclava helmets for the war efforts. Standardisation of printed knitting patterns began as newspapers and women's magazines published more and more new designs. After the Second World War the Red Cross organised school children, youth and church groups to knit squares which were collected and sewn up into 'refugee' blankets and rugs.

Since the seventies we have continued to push the frontiers of knitting. Exotic garments, evening wear and interesting textures and colours have helped to make knitting an enjoyable and exciting craft for many people worldwide. Many artists now use the craft of knitting to create their work. A quick Internet search for patterns or knitting artists will return millions of listings.

Whatever it's true origins, knitting has a long and rich history. As someone who has had a lifelong obsession with the craft, I can easily see why craft has survived for so long.

Learn more about this author, Meaghan Louise.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.