Knitting

Middle East and Asia: Ottoman court knitting produced incredibly fine stockings and textiles. In Asia, different textile traditions dominated, though knitting existed—Japan embraced knitting enthusiastically after Western contact, developing unique techniques.

Knitting has served as:

• Economic necessity and women's income source


• Meditative practice and stress relief


• Political statement (craftivism, pussy hats, etc.)


• Community building


• Preservation of cultural identity


• Form of resistance (prisoners, oppressed peoples maintaining autonomy through craft)

Knitting became both a cottage industry and aristocratic pastime. The invention of the knitting frame (stocking frame) by William Lee in 1589 mechanized production, though hand knitting remained common for complex items.

Scandinavia: Norwegian and Icelandic traditions developed distinctive colorwork techniques. The iconic Icelandic lopapeysa (circular yoke sweater) actually emerged in the 1950s, showing how "traditional" patterns continue evolving.

Knitting techniques have continuously evolved:

• Basic stockinette and garter stitch


• Colorwork techniques (Fair Isle, intarsia, slip-stitch patterns)


• Cable knitting


• Lace knitting


• Brioche, double-knitting, entrelac


• Modern innovations like contiguous methods and seamless construction

Knitting spread through the Islamic world and into Europe via trade routes, particularly through Spain and Italy. By the 14th century, knitting guilds formed in Europe—exclusively male professional organizations with strict apprenticeships lasting up to six years. Masters had to create elaborate "masterpieces" to qualify.

British Isles: Distinct regional styles emerged—Fair Isle's colorwork patterns, Aran's complex cables (contrary to romantic myths, these weren't ancient Celtic patterns but developed in the early 20th century), and Shetland's delicate lace shawls.