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It is possible that those who have not tried knitting or crocheting are unaware of the fascinating history of fibre arts. There are many fun facts to learn about cotton yarn, knitting and other crafts. Here are some knitting yarn facts that will impress your friends and fellow knitters.
- It’s impossible to know how long knitting has existed.
Knitting yarns degrade over time and archaeologists can’t tell how old this art is. The sharpened sticks that have been found in many digging sites may look like knitting needles but they could be used for other purposes. Experts believe the craft originated in the Middle East, and was later introduced to the West during the Crusades. We don’t know if the English word “knitting”, which was first used in the 1300s, is the oldest word. Most people believe that knitting is older than weaving, but many think crochet was invented after knitting.
- We do not know the exact age of yarn
In Switzerland, the oldest known samples of fabric and yarn were discovered. They were believed to be over 7,000 years old.
- Knitting used to be considered a woman’s activity
Although knitting with cotton yarn has become stereotypically a “women’s job”, it was originally a male occupation! The first knitting union in France was founded in 1527. Women were not allowed to join. Knitting by hand was no longer a necessity after the invention of the knitting machine in the late 1500s. It became a hobby. It may have become a more leisurely activity, which is why it wasn’t considered a manly task.
- Knitting has broken records
David Babcock, a runner from Kansas City, broke the Guinness World Record with his time of five hours, forty-eight minutes and twenty-seven seconds. You might be wondering how he did it. He knitted a scarf over 12 feet in length while running the race. In 2012, knitters in London’s Royal Albert Hall set a record for knitting the most simultaneously. They had 3,083 people in total. For Aran Yarn, visit www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/aran-yarn
- Knitting can be a good activity
Knitting or crocheting can relieve stress, improve motor functions, and even prevent arthritic disease. It also burns calories. Knitting for half an hour can burn 55 calories. If you work on knitting for two hours, that’s 200 calories.
- Knitting changes all the time
Knitted fabrics have seen a rise and fall in popularity over the years. However, there is always a new innovation. Wool and cotton are still popular, but new fibres are being used. There are now more yarns available in the market, including those made from soy, bamboo, alpaca and hemp.
