Spool Knitting;
It is a more recent technique in the long history of making fabric by interlocking loops of yarn or thread. The craft dates back to six thousand years ago, where in Egyptian tombs the things needed in the after life were laid out on knitted pieces. It is also thought the garment that Jesus wore could have been made on a knitting frame because there were no seams.
Through the years, the craft found its way through other countries and finally to Europe, where craftsmen were organized into professional groups of artisans. In Holland an apprenticeship of six years was required and then judged on at least four master pieces. In more recent times the technique was brought to the new colonies with influences from other cultures.
My favorite projects are making rugs with the constructed cord. The yarn type and color help me design a pattern. Now I am no longer bored when watching television.
Tip: It is better to have a finished product made with the proper yarn. Loops that are too tight or too loose will not have professional-looking results. Standard knitting yarn works great. Experiment with other materials too, such as twine, crotchet cotton and fabric.
Beads can be worked into a project by threading on the yarn before starting. Beads used will be determined by the size of the hole in the bead and the thickness of your material or can be attached by hand sewing when the project is completed.
Our spool knitter is designed for crafters of all ages. It is as simple as winding yarn around a post, however, our spool knitting is made more enjoyable by a unique design of a larger post and ball cap to keep yarn from slipping off. You can start making useful products right away, such as throws, hats, baskets, and afghans, as well as coasters, pot holders, dishcloths, belts and scarves. Once you get the hang of it, you will have plenty of your own creative project ideas.
A young girl from the early 1900's knits with a knitting spool. From the book Spool Knitting by Mary A,. McCormack.
By the late 1300's, peasants used round, four-needle peg frames to knit warm caps. These were similar to the spool knitters. In the1500's Rev. William Lee of Nottingham, invented a flat {rake} loom for making white stockings for noblemen. From Hand Knitting to Knitting Machines. by Sharon Nani
Pictured above are circular garments with no side seams that would have been made on a large peg loom. It is thought that the Shroud worn by Jesus was constructed this way.
You may enjoy the history of weaving and textiles of India exibit: