Introduction
Knitting is a way of interlocking a
series of loops that creates hand and machine knitted fabric. The
loops (stitches) are interlocked using a needle to hold
the existing loop while a new loop is formed in front of the
old loop. The old loop is then brought over the new loop to
form the fabric. Knitting differs from weaving in that a single
piece of yarn can be used to create fabric.
The fabric consists
of horiwntal rows known as courses and venical columns of
loops known as wales. Knitted fabric has useful propenies
that make it suitable for a range of garments including tights,
gloves, underwear and other close-fitting garments. The
loop structure of knitted fabric stretches and moulds to fit body
shapes. The air trapped by the loops keeps the wearer warm.
Origin of Knitting
The earliest looped fabrics may have
been produced in the Middle East. Socks recovered from
fourth century tombs in Egypt were rp.ade using a form
oflooping known as nalbinding. N albinding uses a single sewing
needle to make the loops
instead of two knitting needles.
Further examples from Egypt date from the seventh century and
show loop patterns that suggest they were knitted in the
traditional hand-knitting manner with two needles. References to Coventry cappers were
first recorded in 1424. In 1488, the Cappers' Act was passed
by Parliament to fix the prices of caps ,and prevent cappers
making excessive profits.
The First Knitting Frame
The increasing popularity of knitted
stockings at court and beyond created opportunities for
entrepreneurs to make money. In 1589, \Villiam Lee of
Calverton, Nottinghamshire, successfully converted the actions of
hand knitting with two
needles into a mechanised process.
This was the first knitting fr" me. Like the hand knitting
process, the knitting frame produced a shaped piece of fabric
that was then sewn together to create a garment.