Knitting: Fashion, Industry, Craft

by Sandy Black

In this fascinating book, Sandy Black charts the development of knitting from domestic handcraft to one of the most sophisticated computer-controlled textile production processes used in fashion. With stunning new photography, Knitting draws on the V&A’s superlative collection of knitted fashions and artifacts to tell this story. Ranging from articles for everyday use to virtuoso examples of the knitter’s craft, including finely knit and embroidered silk stockings, intricate lacewear, and Victorian beaded bags, the book also includes knitted dresses from designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Julien Macdonald to inspire all those interested in this popular craft and industry.

Genres: Knitting, History, Nonfiction, Fashion

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a fascinating overview of knitting history, including its growth as everyday clothing, as fashion items, and as a commodity. I appreciated that hand knitting and industrial knitting are described, because both technologies appear to trade knowledge back and forth. Interestingly, knitting as a hobby or pastime is a very small and recent chapter to the history of knitting. Rather, much of the history of knitting is pretty dark, such as the cottage industry of the 18th century and the truck system of Shetland, and gets into issues of class and gender.

This is a great book to read as a knitter because Sandy Black describes much of the artifacts in detailed, technical language. One thing to note is that, because this book is published by V&A Publishing, there is a strong British focus. There is almost no history of Scandinavian knitwear, for example. Also, I found the last chapter, which focuses on designer knitwear of the 20th/21st century, to be a bit of a bore because I am not into contemporary fashions (the 80's stuff just looks ugly to me!).

[Ashley Lambert-Maberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strikes a nice middle ground between academic writing and speaking to the layperson. Great colour photos and an emphasis on more recent history (compare to, say The History of Handknitting which was quite dry and talked more about 17th Century stockings than I had any real interest in!

[Jaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this history of a craft that I adore. Here is well told and full of beautiful illustrations of knitting. I particularly loved the make do and mend message that was sold to the population during World War Two.

An important historical text capturing a woman's craft.

[Cathy]

A fascinating look at the history of knitting through the V&A collection. Great coffee table value, but also really interesting content presented in an accessible format.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible look at the history of knitting, both hand-knitting and machine-knitting, throughout the British Isles (and by extension, the world).