Knitting coloured wool

The modern pastime called knitting

Knitting is a very popular pastime, appealing to people of all ages and walks of life. As a technique, it is not as old as many people think. It arrived in Northern Europe, during the Middle East; probably in the 14th century.

Earlier examples, which look like knitting, are in fact nalbinding. This is a technique using one needle which is still practised today, particularly in Scandinavia. The advantages of knitting

The most obvious advantage that knitting has over weaving is that all that’s needed is a pair of needles and a ball of wool. From those simple beginnings, and with a little patience, all sorts of garments can be created including

• jumpers
• Stockings
• hats
• gloves,
• domestic items such as cushion covers and blankets.

Plied coloured wool

Plied wool is usually used for knitting as two singles plied give a balanced yarn. Naturally coloured wool gives a range of shades to the knitter which allows infinite variation in patterning. Coloured wool blended with white wool can create stunning contrasts.