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Things Most People Have No Idea About When It Comes To Knitting
Have you ever been at a loss for ideas on how to strike up a conversation with a fellow knitter? Here are some knitting facts you can use as ice-breakers to get you started next time it happens.
Knitting Fact #1
Knitting is centuries old – since knitting materials tend to degrade with time, it is hard to pinpoint when knitting appeared. According to historical sources, it seems to have been brought by the Crusaders from the Middle East. The term “knitting” is mentioned in the 14th century for the first time.
Knitting Fact #2
A former type of knitting was done with just one needle. A cross over between knitting and crocheting was being practiced even by the Ancient Egyptians!
Knitting Fact #3
In the 16th century France, knitting was an occupation for males only. Go figure!
Knitting Fact #4
The first knitting machine was invented in 1589. The man who came with the idea was named William Lee and it was under the Queen Elizabeth I that this happened. From that point forward, knitting became a leisure activity mostly performed by hand inside the home.
Knitting Fact #5
During World War I, women had the national duty to knit socks, scarves and caps for the soldiers fighting across the battlefields. While many sent knitted items to their family members stationed in cold areas, others knitted for the sake of every soldier in the land.
Knitting Fact #6
Did you know that knitting can reduce heart rate, blood pressure and it relaxes, so that the body can fight illness better?
Knitting Fact #7
In the beginning, cotton and silk were more popular than wool as knitting yarn.
Knitting Fact #8
A book by Johann Siebmacher was published in 1611, as the first documentation of no fewer than 126 knitting patterns!
Knitting Fact #9
You may think that knitting needles should only be made of metal or wood, but back in the days they were made of far more exotic materials, such as ivory, tortoise shell or bones.
Do you know any other interesting knitting facts that you would like to share with us? Why not leave a comment and tell us?
Love all his history of knitting! Thank you.
We are glad you enjoyed the article.
AND DID YOU KNOW THAT BACK IN THE GUILD DAYS ONLY THE MEN COULD SELL THE KNITTING WHICH THEY PRODUCED. WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO WHAT THE GRANNIES AND MAMAS TURNED OUT.
Any craft done with hands gives immense pleasure & relaxes a person. Over the years I have learned many crafts & started knitting 2 years back, must say it has given me immense pleasure & relaxes me in a very satisfactory way.
David Babcock entered the Guinness World Record when he finished the Kansas City marathon in 5 hours 48 minutes 27 seconds—all while knitting a scarf measuring 12 feet, 1¾ inches long. He eclipsed the previous Guinness World Record, held by Britain’s Susie Hewer. To be eligible, competitors must complete the marathon in less than six hours.
My father in law said that French school children knitted socks, scarves, bonnets and gloves in school for the soldiers during WWII
Dear Althea,
Thank you for that interesting feedback. It was a very informative article wasn’t it?
All the best,
Ann
Dear Tony,
Thank you for sharing that information! Simply amazing isn’t it?
All the best,
Ann
In the Bible, Exodus 25:4, God tells them to use blue, purple, and scarlet yarn in the first tabernacle ! Now that’s ancient”
Love knitting and dont know what I would do if I could not and its getting there. poor old thumbs- and the muscles in the top of my back and neck kill me. They tell me its from all the knitting over the years. Thank you for your interesting articles.
Dear Jane,
Thank you for sharing that with us! It’s pretty amazing isn’t it? 🙂
All the best,
Ann
Dear Ruby,
I am so glad you are enjoying our articles. We all take the good with the bad don’t we? 🙂
All the best,
Ann
I enjoy reading a post that will make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Dear Deanna,
We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the Knitting Facts article. We appreciate the feedback.
All the best,
Ann
I find knitting very relaxing – I’ve been doing it for nearly 50 years since my mother taught me as a young child. It is an interesting subject too. Unfortunately I broke my wrist 6 weeks ago and can’t wait for next week when the plaster comes off and I can get back to the needles!
I have been knitting since I am 5 years old when my grandmother thought me, 69 years of sweaters, hats, mitts, scarves, afghans, lapghans, etc. for familyband friends and mostly for charity. Even now with arthritic hands, I just cannot give it up. I feel empty without having needles n my hand. Unfortunately because of painful arthritic hands I had to turn to crocheting, which is a bit easier, but I need to use the 3 lifetime worth of yarn I still have. What I find is that the younger generation is not interested in learning and following the knitting tradition. Thei lives are only for the Smartphone, iPads and iPods. It is a shame that these crafts are not perpetuated by the young.
Dear Elizabeth,
Thanks for reaching out to The Knitting Space.
We’re sorry to hear about your wrist but do hope you can get back to your knitting quickly!
All the best,
Ann
Dear Valeria,
Thanks for reaching out to The Knitting Space.
You are so right regarding this next generation. There is very little interest in craft. It is truly a shame.
All the best,
Ann
I can remenber going, as a child, to Patriotic Days at a country hall with my mother where the gathering of local women knitted socks and balaclavas for Soldiers in WW 11. These were all sent overseas in parcels of sewn together flourbags. These Patriotic Days were held country-wide That is where I learned to knit, by observation of skilled knitters and I still love knitting.
There are many Knitting groups in the area I come from. A few men and many women, mostly of the older age group. Often they are knitting for charities , and victims of natures disasters. I often see youngsters in home knitted garments whilst at the super-market so there are mothers who are carrying on the old crafts. I also know two or three people with high stress levels who have been advised by their health advisors to take up knitting for relaxation and achievement. May knitting always be part of our lives.
I was told by a physiotherapist years ago to use circular needles to relieve strain on my neck and shoulders as I have arthritis there. It wasn’t easy getting used to knitting with them but I don’t knit with anything else now and I don’t have any trouble with my neck and shoulders any more. It works because the knitting is not supported by your neck and shoulders, it sits on your lap and you’re only supporting the work you’re actually knitting.
I belong to a knitting club. 2 years ago we knitted over 300 hays got he newborn babies at the hospitsl
I’m not sure I agree that younger people aren’t interested, I think they just haven’t been shown how to do it. It fell out of fashion here in the Uk when I was young in the 80s and 90s, but I’ve seen a big resurgence in craft in general with courses etc here in the UK. As a teacher I’ve seen the teenagers (especially the boys) want to come and sit and watch or ask for items. Some have asked to learn.
I agree with you Sue Ghani. I have twin granddaughters age 7yrs. I taught them to knit at the age of 4yrs. One of them is very interested and is asking to learn more advanced techniques. I cast on for them, she wants to learn how to do it herself. I showed her how to cast off. She prefers circular wooden needles. Once she finishes the scarf she is working on I will teach her to cast on and ro purl. She knows how to do yarn overs and knit 2 together. She watched me doing this and wanted to learn. Her sister prefers small projects. She is still a beginner. I don’t push, I just go at their pace. 😊
I learned to knit at school in England and when we good enough we knitted fo the soldiers in the war Even crocheted squares to make blankets. I was 9 years old.
Wartime knitting was important means of supporting the war effort during World War 2— not just World War 1!
I worked in a craft store many years ago. I always had yarn in one pocket of my apron and whatever I was knitting in the other. I sold a lot of yarn and needles because I would do a quick lesson in cast on and beginning stitches and they would leave with their started scarf. Then they would come back to learn bind off and select the yarn for their next project. I also do quick lessons at the bingo hall when I volunteer there, I always have my knitting if there is a possibility that I may be sitting for a few minutes with nothing to do.
I’m pretty sure the word KNIT was a bit older then that ..
Psalms 139: 13, 15 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. When I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together …”
I love knitting. Been doing it since I was 6 or 7, and I’m now 69. And I don’t just want to do K1 P1. I want intricate patterns, fair isle etc.
I love knitting and have done it all my life practically. I am now 69 years old and made my first scarf at 5, from leftover pieces of yarn that my mum gave me. I think just about every child born in England was the same. now 64 years later, I am still learning more and more. Your weekly is wonderful. I am constantly learning and can’t wait for the next issue. The wartime article was especially interesting, as I remember my mum telling me about all the knitting that went on during that time, I didn’t realize that this went back even further……love, love, love your artlcles…..