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History ·
How men changed the history of knitting
A short history of knitting that credits men's need for tools and clothing with creating the craft, and the men-only guilds that followed.
The average person wears at least four knitted items every day.
There’s a reason why you have knit socks, underwear, t-shirts, and sweaters available at any Wal-Mart or mall for ridiculously low prices.
It’s the same reason why you enjoy knitting as a hobby instead of working as a production knitter.
Men.
A VERY quick history of knitting
While we don’t know exactly when knitting was invented, it is theorized that it was developed around Egypt between 500 and 1200 A.D. although it could be much older. It most likely was developed from a one needle crafting technique called nalbinding.
Whatever it’s origins, it was men’s need for tools to work with (like fishing nets), and clothing for their jobs (like socks for sandals) which led to the creation of the craft.
Jump forward to Paris in 1268 where we find the first mention of a European knitting guild.
The groups formed as something of a labor union. They protected trade secrets, established higher standards for their finished items, and trained young apprentices in the profession.
And they were only for men.
