Little it is known about the origin of knitting. We can only speculate from textiles and records that have decayed over time. There are written records that give us some ideas on techniques of some of the kinds of knitting and weaving that were done. In Egypt some paintings on the walls of Egyptian tombs have been found showing certain techniques.
Textiles have been found that at first seem to have been knitting. Further examination has revealed that they had actually been made with the technique “sprang”, a rudimentary technique of back and forth weaving made with thread and needle or “Nailbindung”, loops that have been made and caught a with another thread by sewing them with a needle.
The word “knitting” does not exist in ancient Greek or Latin. It appeared first in a grammar book that was published in 1530. The word was derived probably from the Old English “cnyttan” that signifies tied with a knot or to tie or to attach. It is assumed that the Arabian nomads were the first to knit and they brought this ability to Egypt. The technique comes to Spain through the Moors who dominated Spain for a long period beginning in 711.
Gloves made in silk are the first indication of knitting in Europe when Pope Innocent IV was enthroned in 1254 with them on. How pretty, don’t you think?
Blessing,
JJ Vazquez
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