Not currently on display at the V&A

Knitting Sheath

1842 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This type of curved knitting sheath was made in the Yorkshire Dales, where it was known as a 'goose wing'. It was made in 1842, at a time when knitting had become a hobby for most people and the knitting sheath had become obsolete.

However, some workers in places like the Yorkshire Dales continued to earn their living through knitting. They still knitted using the sheath, as they found this method faster. 'Goose wing' sheaths like this one were specially adapted to fit the shape of the knitter's waist.

This one has an abstract design carved on one of its faces, with the initials 'AWG' and the date 'Nov 16 1842'.

Delve deeper

Discover more about this object
read Knitting traditions of the British Isles and Ireland Many areas around the British Isles and Ireland have their own distinctive style of knitting or a particular garment for which they are known. Such traditions have tended to survive longer in more remote areas where there is less outside influence.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved wood
Brief description
Carved wooden knitting sheath, England, 1842
Physical description
Carved wooden knitting sheath. Curved tapering stick with a scroll knob at one end and on the other end is a square with a circular hole in the middle to hold the knitting needle, and curved lines. Halfway along one side is a groove for fastening the sheath to the users apron-string. This side is also carved with various geometric patterns and the inscribed with the initials 'AWG' and the date 'Nov 16 1842'.
Dimensions
  • Length: 18cm
  • Width: 2cm
Marks and inscriptions
'AWG' (Inscribed)
Credit line
Given by Mrs E. Birkill
Summary
This type of curved knitting sheath was made in the Yorkshire Dales, where it was known as a 'goose wing'. It was made in 1842, at a time when knitting had become a hobby for most people and the knitting sheath had become obsolete.

However, some workers in places like the Yorkshire Dales continued to earn their living through knitting. They still knitted using the sheath, as they found this method faster. 'Goose wing' sheaths like this one were specially adapted to fit the shape of the knitter's waist.

This one has an abstract design carved on one of its faces, with the initials 'AWG' and the date 'Nov 16 1842'.
Collection
Accession number
T.192-1960

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Record createdJanuary 18, 2005
Record URL
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