Where did knitting originate?

Most histories of knitting place its origin somewhere in the Middle East.

Knitting is a method of deriving fabric from a strand of wool, It is created using 2 or more long needles. It does not require a loom so it was valuable to the nomadic and non-agrarian peoples of the Middle East.

A pair of socks, from Egypt, dating from the 11th century is the oldest known example of knitting. Finely crafted with complex colour work suggests that knitting is much older than can be proven.

The original knit and purl stitch form the basis for every type of stitch used in knitting today. This and colorful patterns combined to become extremely intricate as displayed by Aran Sweaters cable stitch, Lusekofte or Setesdalsgenser Norwegian sweaters and Intarsia which uses bobbins to contain inactive yarn while knitting.

Interest in knitting has seen a resurgence in the 21st century with the popularity of DIY projects and the availability of the internet, allowing people to learn, share and be inspired.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

38 Comments

John Seiple

Even Egyptians themselves overwhelmingly identity themselves as being connected with the Middle East as opposed to African decent. Yes, I’m a retired history and geography teacher and have spent some recent time traveling throughout Egypt. No theory on my part.

John Seiple

Geography/History/Culture/Politics 101 ALWAYS includes Egypt as being identified with the Middle East! Every single time.

Cari G.

Folks read the answer, it doesn't say that knitting originated in Egypt! It simply says that some of the earliest examples were found there.

Cari G.

Folks, again, read the answer, it doesn't say that knitting originated in Egypt! It simply says that some of the earliest examples were found there.

billyboy915

Albeck Wilson-Smith, I am from the U.S. and I too, was puzzled by the options of "Middle East" and "Mediterranean". The author is Canadian. What is troubling to me is your broad sweeping statement about an entire continent of people, based on a single quiz submission. Based on your two comments, I could also make a similar snarky comment about the prejudices, poor word choices, punctuation, and grammar of ALL Brits, but I know that wouldn't be fair. Those failures are yours alone. BTW, your bias is showing!

Angeles Dembowski

I totally agree, from the earliest times (BCE) they identified as separate and unique. Geographically they are African, culturally they are Middle eastern.

Char

Pat Wells, exactly as it says

Char

I did not know that...

james parrillo

I did not think of socks. I was thinking of afghans and sweaters, so I was thinking of places that could experience cold weather. With a little more thought, I might have connected the blanket afghans with Afghanistan. Thank you, Christine, James's wife