Knitting is a craft where loops of yarn or thread are pulled through one another to form fabric or garments. The earliest known knitted artifacts date back to ancient Egypt between 1000-1300 AD. Throughout history, knitting was commonly practiced by women as a domestic craft and source of income. In the late 16th century, the first knitting machine was invented in England. In recent years, knitting has experienced a surge in popularity with the rise of knitting clubs, blogs, and online communities sharing patterns and techniques.

1. Introduction to KnittingMs E. GregoryTextiles 2009/2010

2. What is knitting?Knitting is one way that thread or yarn can be turned into cloth Basically loops called stitches pulled through each otherStitches are held on a needle until another loop is passed through themKnitting may be done by hand or by machine. Different yarns and knitting needles result in different end productsUsing needles of different thickness as well as different varieties of yarn adds to the effect

3. What Knitting Looks LikeSource: Wikipedia (accessed October 25th, 2009)Diagram – notice the loopsPhotograph of Knitted Cloth

4. History of KnittingThe word “knit” comes from the word “knot”Uncertain start date because fabric disintegratesEarliest sample – blue and white cotton socks made in Egypt ~ 1000-1300 A.D.Mid 1300s to 1400s – Italian paintings showing knitting suggest that by the late Middle Ages knitting had arrived in EuropeBoth men and women knit in those daysMen only guilds where men trained for six years to become a master knitterMost of it’s history, knitting has been a women’s craft, likely due to child-rearing

5. Invention of the Knitting MachineHistorically, a good source of income for many poor women too1589 – William Lee invented the 1st knitting machine to solve a problem… (http://www.hucknall-torkard.com/williamlee.html)

6. The last hundred years…Before cheap, ready made clothing, knitting was usually a household choreIt was “fashionable” during Victorian timesDuring times of war, men & women were enlisted to knit socks and blankets for soldiers (http://www.rainfall.com/posters/WWI/544.htm - accessed on October 25, 2009)

7. In the last five years…Recently knitting’s popularity is at an all time high across Canada, North America and around the worldClubs, guilds, blogs, online stores (Etsy) promoting and sharing the love for the craftPhoto from Flickr.com - accessed Oct. 25th, 2009 http://www.flickr.com/photos/43446613@N00/465887705/

8. Let’s start…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uw-nUvGrBYSearch the web if you need for more sites, more demos, free patterns, etc.Your assignment:one knitting sample approximately 20 cm x 20 cm Supplies are in the cupboardQuestions?