WWII patterns

Rare WWI book of patterns

I’m busy researching knitting during WWI. There is so much material available about WWII but not so much that has survived since 1914. I’ve been to look at the Coats UK archive, the Knitting and Crochet Guild stores and the British Library. Lots of patterns seemed to be in newspapers though there are a few pamphlets available. I bought this Beehive booklet on eBay.

Moustache warmer

Of course knitting for soldiers wasn’t new even then. People had been knitting during the Crimean war (like this stunning helmet liner with matching moustache) and the Civil War in America.

Pattern pamphlet of the British Red Cross Society

The best non-commercial example I’ve found is the British Red Cross pattern book and it’s rather intriguing ‘Cap Scarf’. This ‘comforter’ is a hat and a scarf. It’s made as a double layer so you can pull it over your head. What a great idea, though certainly one for the machine -knitters. Knitting machines did exist, especially stocking machines for quick sock making.

My next challenge is to find the origin of Kitchener Stitch. Apparently Lord Kitchener really was a knitter and made socks himself. Do you think he really found time to invent grafting? If you have any evidence about that one please let me know.