Hand knitting has a rich history, but a factual and accurate account is very challenging to find. Today, hand knitting is closely connected to flat knitting. It is worked in rows using two metal, plastic, or wooden knitting needles. The piece is turned from back to front and vice versa on every row.

However, there is a long history associated with knitting in the round. In general, 4 to 5 needles are used for creating an unbroken seamless tube to create stockings, caps, and gloves. Flat-knitting is dominant today because it is easy to represent on charts and patterns.

3rd – 5th century AD

The origin of Knitting is hard to point out because it occurred in different regions at distinct times. Who exactly invented knitting is still unknown? The majority of recorded works originate from the Middle East, which spread across different countries via trade routes. A Nalbinding technique similar to sewing rather than knitting was used. The yarn is threaded via a sewing needle eye and worked in rounds via an array of loops.

An example of double knitting needles was designed in North Africa during Islamic rule [1100 to 1300]. It is assumed that the shape of the socks was attained by changing needle sizes, while knitting.

Spread of knitting in Europe

In the 13th century, the Christian Royal families employed the Muslims to knit gloves and cushion covers that are found in several Monastery tombs in Spain. In the 14th century, knitting got popular in Europe via trade routes to the Mediterranean and further-reaching Spain. Many Virgin Mary paintings from the 14th-century show Madonna knitting.

The demand for stockings rose during the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. She was fond of knitted silk stockings because the fabric was soft. George Washington wide was also a keen knitter. So, the craft sector saw a boost including the commencement of knitting schools that provided income to the poor.

The industrial revolution

In 1589, a stocking frame or mechanical knitting machine was introduced. During the industrial revolution, Nottingham city produced machine knitted lace in abundance. The profit of the city grew, when moveable circular knitting machines were invented.

During American Civil War, knitted socks were in demand for helping soldiers keep warm against the elements. The hand knitting sector declined because machine knitted knitwear was developed on a massive scale.

The roaring twenties

In the Western world, knitwear entered the fashion landscape, especially pullovers. The WW1 and WW2 lack of socks for armed forces encouraged knitters to reuse old knitted fabric or spare wool to create items and contribute to the troops. Due to this, many wool shops and knitters profited from selling yarns, knitting needles, patterns, and tools.

The 1950s and 60s

After the war, high-quality yarn production picked up. Knitted started to gain massive boosts as new colors and different yarn types were innovated. Kids learned knitting in school.

The 21st century is a comeback for knitting after a decline in the 1980s and 90s. The handmade revolution as well as increasing interest in DIY crafts seems to be encouraging. Natural and synthetic fibers along with different needles including the circular knitting needles display how the knitting community is reinventing, blending, and adapting this wonderful classic skill.