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Knitting
With knitted objects dating from the 12th century to the present day, our collection represents centuries of inventiveness. From underwear to outerwear, workwear to evening dress, made by hand or machine, professional or amateur, explore the rich diversity of items created using this technique.
Representing knitting traditions from around the world, the collection includes objects for everyday wear, such as 16th-century knitted caps or 19th-century baby clothes as well as exquisite examples of craftsmanship such as an 18th-century knitted carpet and a petticoat. Functional knitted items sit alongside pieces prized for their inventiveness, such as the bold hand-knitted 1980s designs by Patricia Roberts, SIBLING’s playful take on traditional knitwear and stunning eveningwear by Julien Macdonald and Craig Lawrence.
Collection highlights
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Peter, pair of gloves, designed by Freddie Robins, 1997 – 9, UK -
Evening dress, designed by Craig Lawrence, 2010, London, England -
Shawl, by Amy Johnston, 1935, Baltasound, Unst, Shetland islands -
Evening coat, designed by Biba, 1970, London, England -
Romany, cardigan, by Patricia Roberts, 1982, England -
Golf jumper, 1920s, Shetland Islands -
Knitting sheath, 1679, England -
The Sunflower Knitting Needle Case, knitting needle case and knitting needles, manufactured by Bassat Powell, 1870 – 90, London, England -
Rag rug waistcoat, by John Allen, 1990, London England -
Tracksuit showing scenes from the 2011 East London riots, by SIBLING, 2012, London, England -
Bell gauge, needle gauge, manufactured by G. Chambers & Co., 1847 – 99, England
Features
Katie Jones – meet, make and do
Katie Jones – meet, make and do
Meet Katie Jones – technicolour knitwear and crochet designer passionate about her ethical craft
1940s knitting patterns
1940s knitting patterns
Get creating your classic 1940s fashion with our free downloadable patterns
Interviews with knit designers and textile artists
Interviews with knit designers and textile artists
John Allen, Sasha Kagan, Patricia Roberts and Freddie Robins talk about their work and its inspiration
Knitted eveningwear
Knitted eveningwear
Discover how knitted fabrics have created glamorous evening dresses through the 20th century and beyond
Knitted underwear
Knitted underwear
From socks to vests, knitting has played a crucial part in underwear's evolution
Knit a work of art by Freddie Robins
Knit a work of art by Freddie Robins
Download a free pattern to make your own pair of Conrad gloves
Knitting traditions of the British Isles and Ireland
Knitting traditions of the British Isles and Ireland
Discover knitting traditions from around the British Isles and Ireland
The fashionable sweater
The fashionable sweater
Discover the sweater's development from sportswear into a wardrobe staple and a form for designer experimentation
The history of hand-knitting
The history of hand-knitting
From carpets to caps, petticoats to purses, explore the wealth of objects created by hand-knitting
Header image:
Background image: Fashion in Motion: SIBLING, 2014. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London