How knitting began the industrial revolution

This week we’ve been exploring the men who transformed knitting from a cottage industry to the manufacturing mammoth it is today.

We’ve already discussed how the first knitting machine, invented in 1589, would lead to the start of the Industrial revolution.

Today we’re going to follow three men who built upon that earlier invention to bring knitting to the modern age.

Jedediah Strutt: The Derby Rib

Almost 200 years after the invention of the first knitting machine another Englishman came up with an idea to improve how stockings were made.

His unique contribution was alternating the direction of the needle loops, creating a fabric that was more flexible and stretchy. It allowed for more fitted garments, particularly stockings which could hold closer to the skin and still stay up.

These new “ribbed” stockings quickly took over as the preferred style.

But maybe even more impactful was when he partnered with Samuel Need and Richard Arkwright in 1768 to build a cotton spinning mill in Cromford. This water powered mill was the first of its kind and many consider it the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Matthew Leo Townsend: The Circular Knittting Machine

Up until the mid-nineteenth century knitting machines were still largely based on the original stocking frame.

That is until Matthew Townsend invented a new kind of needle that incorporated a moveable latch.

This latch hook enabled for faster and finer knits. It also could be mounted vertically, allowing for the first circular machines to be developed.

These circular machines could make seamless fabrics that grew in popularity during the American Civil War. Especially since they were half the size of a sewing machine and easily transported.

Henry Josiah Griswold: The Sock Knitting Machine

It’s surprising how much of the mechanization of knitting has revolved (😂) around knitting.

While small circular knitting machines were being manufactured around the world for making socks, Griswold changed the game again.

By adding a second cylinder of needles to his machines he finally enabled them to make seamless ribbed socks.

These devices become so popular throughout England that ALL similar machines became known as “Griswolds”.

In fact little improvement was made in knitting machine technology after the late 1800s.

They were commonly used throughout the first and second world wars, allowing volunteers to literally crank out a pair of socks in about 40 minutes.

It would be almost another 100 years before Masahiro Shima would introduce his fully automated seamless glove-knitting machine to Japan in 1962. This development finally brought knitting machines into the computer age.

Why it matters

We started this series talking about how the vast majority of knitted goods are knit by machine.

And it was the ingenuity of men who allowed women to stop knitting with their hands as a way to make ends meet.

Today we can get high quality, comfortable knitted shirts, sweaters, hats, and of course socks, at extremely affordable prices.

But it also means that we can enjoy hand knitting for pleasure, and explore interesting stitches, pattern combinations, and garment constructions that machines could never do.

Mechanized knitting has opened up the creativity of the yarn craft world, and we are much better for it.

Like this article? Share it with a friend!

{% if subscriber.tags contains “KAL: Verano $$” %}{% else %}

{%- assign heading = “📣 Upcoming *Events*” -%}

{%- assign output = ‘’ -%}{%- capture t -%}{{ snippet.power-heading }}{%- endcapture -%}{{ output }}

Perfect Fit Verano Tee Knit-A-Long (Starts June 19th)

If you’ve wanted to begin knitting garments but aren’t sure where to start, this is the perfect project for you.

This simple tee alternates between lace, garter stitch, and drop stitches so there’s always something interesting to knit.

As part of this Knit-A-Long you’ll get:

• Access to the Yarnist Society private community
• Video tutorials walking you through each step of the project
• Daily check-ins to keep you motivated and on track
• A LIVE kick-off and wrap-up event
• The chance to win awesome prizes
• and much more

{% if subscriber.society_status contains “Standard” %}

The fun gets started in just…

Yarnist Society Members save 40%!

{% elsif subscriber.society_status contains “Premium” %}

This KAL is included with your membership.
More information will be in your Yarnist Academy account.

{% elsif subscriber.society_status contains “Golden Fleece” %}

This KAL is included with your membership.
More information will be in your Yarnist Academy account.

{% elsif subscriber.society_status contains “Plus” %}

This KAL is included with your membership.
More information will be in your Yarnist Academy account.{% else %}
The fun gets started in just…

PLUS your purchase includes a FREE year of Yarnist Society Standard membership!

{% endif %}

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll get UNLIMITED access to the KAL videos so even if you don’t finish in time you can still work on your top when you have time.

Whether this is your first garment or you just want to join in the fun, I can’t wait to get started knitting with this amazing community.

I hope to see you there!{% endif %}

{%- assign heading = “📆 *Daily Stitch*” -%}

{%- assign output = ‘’ -%}{%- capture t -%}{{ snippet.power-heading }}{%- endcapture -%}{{ output }}