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The National Society's Instructions on Needlework and Knitting

Instruction Book
1838 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This instruction book was the first British publication of this type on knitting. 'Instructions on Needlework and Knitting' was a handbook for use in the Church of England charity schools run by the National Society. This particular book was probably a gift. It contains a letter from a Miss M.A. Smith to her governess thanking her for her teaching.

The pupils at whom this book was aimed would also have been shown how to sew and knit by a teacher. The instructions in early knitting books would have been difficult to follow for anyone unfamiliar with the craft. They did not supply information about needle size or which tension was best. Nor did they advise on how much or what type of yarn to use. Notation was not standardised, so the knitters would have relied greatly on their own judgement when interpreting these patterns.

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read The history of hand-knitting While the origins of knitting are unclear, we know it has been practised in many different parts of the world, over many centuries, producing objects of great beauty as well as items fulfilling practical needs. When done by hand, it has used simple tools, such as hand-carved sticks of wood...

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe National Society's Instructions on Needlework and Knitting (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Printed paper, cotton, wool
Brief description
Instruction book 'The National Society's Instructions on Needlework and Knitting' with letter and textile samples, published in England, 1838
Physical description
Instruction book for needlework and knitting. It includes samples of handicraft techniques including knitting, crochet, netting, sewing and embroidery. With a letter.
Dimensions
  • Weight: 0.22kg
Object history
The first British publication of this type on knitting: 'Instructions on Needle-work and Knitting, As Derived from the Practice of The Central School of the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church, in the Sanctuary Westminster' 2nd edition, 1838'.
Summary
This instruction book was the first British publication of this type on knitting. 'Instructions on Needlework and Knitting' was a handbook for use in the Church of England charity schools run by the National Society. This particular book was probably a gift. It contains a letter from a Miss M.A. Smith to her governess thanking her for her teaching.

The pupils at whom this book was aimed would also have been shown how to sew and knit by a teacher. The instructions in early knitting books would have been difficult to follow for anyone unfamiliar with the craft. They did not supply information about needle size or which tension was best. Nor did they advise on how much or what type of yarn to use. Notation was not standardised, so the knitters would have relied greatly on their own judgement when interpreting these patterns.
Associated object
T.307A-1979 (Object)
Collection
Accession number
T.307-1979

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Record createdJanuary 5, 2005
Record URL
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