Take you to understand the history of the development of the knitting industry

Archaeological finds in many European cities show that knitwear spread across Europe in the 14th century. Knitted stockings were especially popular because they were smoother and more elastic than other fabrics. There are a number of 16th-century knitted hats in the VA Museum collection, which were discovered during construction work on a house in London. Judging by the location of the finds and the knitted hats, these hats were made for the middle class. Hand-knitted gloves are Spanish gloves before the 16th century. They are made of silver wire wrapped in red silk thread and yellow thin thread. It is made for bishops and decorated with religious patterns. And made with circular Round knitting technology.

In 1589, a priest, William Lee, invented the first hand-knitting machine, but because Queen Elizabeth I believed that the knitting machine would make workers lose their livelihoods, she refused to grant William a patent. Later, William Lee took the machine to France. The operating principle of this knitting machine is still used today.

On many islands in Scotland in the 17th and 18th centuries, knitting has become a very important part of people's lives. They make money through knitting, because sweaters, stockings, etc. are very useful to local fishermen and can help them resist harsh weather. weather.

By the mid-18th century, the hosiery industry was booming. Stockings produced in the UK were exported to other parts of Europe, and the knitwear category expanded into other accessories such as hats, shawls, gloves, bags, etc., but stockings remained the most popular until the 20th century.

Another very rare 18th-century knitwear collection in the VA Museum is a rug. It is considered a fine example of the work of a connoisseur. A knitwear that showcases technology includes hats, woolen coats, mitts and patterned rugs or tapestries,
In 1816, the first circular knitting machine was built in England, so that commercial elastic tubular knitted fabrics could be produced, which was undoubtedly the most ideal choice for underwear.
In the early 20th century, the commercial production of knitwear progressed from underwear to fashionable outerwear. With interest in sports, outdoor activities and fitness, casual activewear is becoming more and more popular.

In the 1920s, knitwear became popular in the Western world, especially pullovers, which became an important part of the daily wear of adults and children. High fashion also began to favor knitted products, such as jumpers and sweatshirt dresses introduced by Chanel. Vouge magazines also frequently issue product patterns that include knitting.

In the 1930s, the fair isle pattern was still popular in knitwear. The style, which allowed for creative combinations of colors and thus less wasted yarn, became a staple of knitwear during the Depression thirties.

During World War II, the British wartime government required people to make knitwear for use by the Army and Navy in winter. Because wool was in short supply, many women would tear down old sweaters and make new ones.

After the war in the 1950s and 1960s, countries began to recover from the huge losses during the war, and the knitting industry was also greatly promoted, and the colors of knitting began to appear in bright colors and patterns.

By the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of knitting plummeted, and knitwear was considered old-fashioned.
 
It wasn't until the 21st century that the knitting industry was revived, and there were more yarn styles, such as natural animal fibers, alpaca, merino wool, mohair, etc.