When did people first start to knit?
While the exact origins of knitting are not known, we do know it has been practised in many parts of the world for centuries, producing items of both beauty and practicality.
Knitting was certainly used in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean around the 11th or 12th century. The earliest knitted museum artifacts are Egyptian socks that date from the 3rd to 5th century AD. They were made using the needle-binding technique similar to sewing, where yarn is threaded through the eye of a sewing needle and then worked in the round through a series of loops. This technique has also been seen in early garments from Norway, Germany and Israel.
Another early style was finger knitting, which is a simple form of knitting done using only the fingers. Finger knitting has been practised for centuries, especially by children and those who did not have needles.
When done by hand, knitting had simple tools, such as hand-carved sticks of wood, bone, quill and ivory.
European knitting
Knitting in the style we now know spread to Europe in the 14th century, where male guilds used it to make religious garments. Gradually, it became practised by people of all genders and cultural backgrounds, and cherished as a means of providing warmth and comfort through hand-crafted clothing and blankets.
In England, the manufacture of knitted caps was important enough to merit control by parliament! The Cappers Act of 1571 stated that “Every person in England above the age of six years (except for Maids, Ladies, Gentlewomen, Noble Personages) on Sundays and holidays should wear a Cap of Wool knit and dressed in England”. This act helped sustain the production of caps in England, protecting the livelihoods of their makers.
Industrial and modern knitting
The use of high-capacity knitting machines during the Industrial Revolution made it easier to produce large quantities of knitwear, however, hand-knitting persisted as a beloved and widely-practised craft. The rise of online communities has facilitated greater connection and exchange between knitters, making it easier for them to share patterns and be inspired by one another. Home knit individual garments are highly desirable.
What are the benefits of knitting?
Knitting offers a wide range of benefits to both individuals and society. Knitting can help reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on the present. It enhances cognitive function by stimulating various areas of the brain, including the motor cortex, frontal lobe, and occipital lobe. It’s also a great way to stay active and improve hand-eye coordination, especially for older individuals.
Knitting is obviously a great creative outlet for self-expression, can provide a sense of achievement, and can boost self-esteem, as well as being a fun hobby that can be done alone or with a group.
Knitting groups are a popular way for people to socialize and form new connections while enjoying a shared hobby. It can also be a form of charity work, with many knitters using their skills to create items for those in need, such as blankets for children, scarves for the homeless, and hats for soldiers.
For society, knitting is a sustainable and eco-friendly pastime, as it empowers individuals to make their own garments, accessories, and home goods, thereby reducing their dependence on mass-produced, synthetic goods, which can have adverse effects on the environment.
