Knitting in Scotland Today

Article by Margaret F. Rankin

 

The word 'knitting' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Nahyat' which translates as 'net' or 'weave'. Like the origins of knitting, the earliest implements used in knitting are unknown, but many believe that it was first worked using the fingers of one hand, and gradually evolved to how we know it today. Throughout Europe, knitting tended to be done on a frame, whereas in Scottish Coastal areas, hand knitting was more popular. Primarily because knitters in these Coastal areas had invented their own designs, many of which were specific to the particular area the knitter was from, and these patterns became an ingrained aspect of local tradition. In fact, the most distinctive patterns produced by knitters are derived from folk traditions - the Aran, Fair Isle and Shetland patterns are an example of this.

Years ago knitters might knit to supplicate the family income or out of necessity and latterly for pleasure.

Importance in Scottish history

Knitting was such a vast occupation among those living on the Scottish Isles during the 17th and 18th centuries that the whole family would be involved in making sweaters, socks, stockings, etc. Fair Isle techniques were used to create elaborate colorful patterns. The sweaters were essential to the fishermen of these Isles, as the natural oils within the wool would provide some element of protection against the harsh weathers while out fishing.

Many elaborate designs were developed, such as cable stitch used on aran sweaters.

At the end of the eighties I saw a decline in knitting in Scotland, many local wool shops closed down, even the big names here like The Scottish Hosiery (hosiery meaning stockings, socks and knitted underclothing) that sold wool for as long as I can remember closed down.  Partly to blame for this I think, apart from shops selling garments cheaper than folk could knit, the English hand knitted garments were spoken of as craft work but in Scotland, having to knit out of necessity for years remember, one would hear people say ‘Oh that’s just homemade and turn their nose up at the work done. (Scottish accent)

However, there is now a great upsurge in the interest of knitting, that all over Britain we are having a ‘National Knitting Week’ where you will find  people knitting anywhere e.g. on buses, trains, in cafes, parks etc. and if last year is anything to go by it will be a blast as there were events such as –

Place of Event: - Summit of Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Run by: - City Knitty

Aim for Event: - Our "EXTREME KNITTING" is mostly for a laugh, we're going to climb up Arthur's Seat and knit, whatever the weather. With a picnic lunch, and flasks of tea, hot chocolate & brandy. Our point is that there's no such thing as a typical knitter, or typical knitting.

Place of Event: - Crawford Arts Centre in St. Andrews (TBC)

Run by: - Di Gilpin

Aim for Event: - Everyone welcome! I will be supplying tea and shortbread, and if anyone wants to bring cakes or buns they would be very welcome! We will all be designing and making tea cosies! The event is open to all abilities. There will be plenty of yarn for everyone to have a go!

Place of Event: - Auchinraith Primary School, Calder Street, Blantyre

Run by: - Knitting club after school. Teacher, Mrs. R Warrilow

Aim for Event: - Promote knitting craft, new generation of knitters, fun, possible fundraising for animal home, Bothwell Bridge.

As this is only a small snapshot of events; locally to me, let’s hope this year will be as popular.

During a visit to New Lanark Mills; a beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village in Southern Scotland, close to the Falls of Clyde and less than an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow; I spoke to the textile projects manager there about the knitting scene and he explained that at the mill the interest in hand knitting in the past 3 years had increased along with the interest in some of the new spun yarns.

The resurgence of knitting as a popular activity in the 21st century accompanied by the internet phenomena of blogging, groups and knitting lists, is fueling the development of an international knitting community. Thousands of knitters like myself must surely be helped and encouraged by this, as a way of meeting other knitting enthusiasts.

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