KNITTING
1940s Patterns to Knit
The 1940s in Britain was a high point for hand knitting. Women on the home front could make a contribution to the war effort by knitting for the troops using patterns that were often given away free. Many specialised patterns developed such as the balaclava helmet with ear flaps for use in telephone operations or the mittens with a separate forefinger for firing a trigger in the cold. Once the war was over both clothing and knitting wool were still rationed but people turned to knitting as a cheap way to enhance their wardrobes. Fine wool and pretty lacy patterns became fashionable.
The Archive of Art and Design holds a collection of knitting patterns from which a small selection has been made. They fall into two groups: wartime knitting and general knitting . All the designs reproduced here can be printed out for you to follow.
There are one or two things to remember when following old patterns. Firstly knitting needle sizes have changed. Needle sizes given in the patterns are the old British ones.The brands of wool mentioned may not be available. 3ply wool is generally called for. There are not many firms producing this any more and the colour ranges are limited. What is really more important is the gauge. Look at the number of stitches per inch that the pattern has been prepared for. Experiment with different 4 ply wools and needle sizes. If you can produce a sample square to the same dimensions and number of stitches to the inch that the pattern requires then the pattern should work up to the correct size. Your sample square should be knitted in stocking stitch unless the pattern says otherwise.
Because knitting is a practical skill if you get stuck with a pattern you would probably be better off finding a good knitter locally to help you than approaching the copyright holder.
Please tell us if you find any errors in our patterns:
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