The art of knitting is around 1,500 years old, originating in the Middle East in the 5th century, although cotton fibres were used, rather than wool. The oldest surviving knitted artefact is a pair of socks, believed to date from 11th century Egypt, made with a purl stitch in a complex colour scheme.
© Tigrushka / Shutterstock.com
How did knitting spread around the world?
Traders took knitting from the Middle East to Europe and in the 14th century, it was popular among fishermen, who made warm jumpers to keep warm at sea. In the 16th century, knitting machines were used to make hosiery for the wealthy.
Knitting became a local industry in the late 17th and early 18th century in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and on the isles. The first woollen textiles factory was opened in 1853 by fashion designer Eugene Rodier, whose fashion brand, the House of Rodier, is still going strong today.
Knitted stockings, shawls, hats, jumpers, bags and other knitwear was sold in the UK and exported overseas. By the dawn of the 20th century, knitwear had become a practical and stylish fashion statement - a position it retains today.
During the Great War, knitting helped the Allied war effort, as men, women and children knitted thousands of garments to supplement the troop's uniforms and help keep them warm. Knitted socks, scarves, hats, jumpers, mufflers and balaclavas were sent to the Front. Women's magazines, knitting magazines and the Red Cross published patterns especially for clothing for the navy and army in an effort to support the military forces.
In modern times, knitting has branched out from garments into being used for bespoke handmade gifts. Now November is here and the weather is getting chilly, knitting is a hobby you can enjoy from the comfort of your sofa as you watch TV.
Start to prepare for Christmas by honing your knitting skills and creating some special handmade gifts for family and friends. You can buy wool in traditional Christmas colours to make personalised gifts that are inexpensive. Your loved ones will also appreciate the time you have taken to make their presents.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there are plenty of knitting ideas and patterns online, with ideas and practical tips on how to get started.
What do you need for knitting?
First, make sure you have the equipment you need, most obviously a pair of large, straight knitting needles. When you're a beginner, it's easier to use bigger needles and bulkier, thicker yarns, as they are simpler to work with and will save you a lot of frustration.
You will also need yarn needles (sometimes called tapestry needles) with a large eye that you can thread yarn through. These are important to sew the seams of your finished article. Small and easy to lose, it's recommended you keep them in a suitable container when not in use.
It's useful to have a tape measure, so when you're knitting items like scarves or jumpers, you can check whether they're the right length to finish off. You'll also need a pair of scissors. It’s now time to choose your yarn, which depends on what you're making.
Keep your knitting tools together in a box with a lid that you can tuck away out of sight when not in use – a lot of knitters choose a toolbox with various compartments. You could also use a larger storage box if you're a prolific knitter and have a lot of partially made items on the go at once.
What are the best Christmas knitting ideas?
The simplest thing to make for a beginner is a scarf, as you can use thick, chunky yarn in festive colours and knit with a basic stitch. It also doesn't have to be a set length, so it's an easy garment to start with. Other simple gift ideas include a cup-cosy, fingerless mittens, or hand knitted facecloths.
If you're feeling more adventurous, pop to your local newsagent and buy a specialist knitting magazine to try out some specific Christmas knitting ideas. You can find inspiration and patterns for all kinds of things such as knitted Christmas tree baubles, penguins, reindeer, Christmas stockings to hang on the mantelpiece and even a knitted nativity scene.
Once you become more proficient, you can try your hand at more complex patterns, such as a cosy pair of knitted slipper boots, a tote shopping bag, or a selection of different cuddly toys.
As well as being an enjoyable hobby for these cold November nights, knitting can provide you with an affordable way of giving unique Christmas gifts to your loved ones, which is a bonus in these challenging times.
For the best storage solutions for your craft items, check out Solent Plastics.