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Source: Minna Nelson

Suomalainen käsityöperinne, kutominen

Knitting is kind of like a modern way of meditation that simultaneously develops your crafting skills, don't you agree? 

According to history, knitting started in the 0th century. In the 4th and 5th centuries, some socks have been found in Egypt, and in those the big toe was knitted separately for the Egyptian footwear ie. sandals. 

In Finland, knitting (neulominen) work was done by tenants in the courtyard of large houses and farms. The owners of the larger house supplied the creators with wool (villa), and against an agreed compensation, a load of socks (sukat) and other accessories were knitted. By knitting, people with low income acquired additional money for themselves. This type of home industry has been one source of women's livelihood. 

Source: Pixabay

Customers and selling socks 

But then who bought woolen socks (villasukat)? Some of the women went to sell their products in the big market. The journey to the point of sale could be tens of kilometers. So If you couldn't get a horse ride, the journey was made on foot and people were able to knit at the same time, while walking, that is! 

The time of sale was chosen carefully. The knitters (neuloja, neulojat) knew when, for example, when was the payday of men who were working in mines or sawmills. The sales trip started when it was known when the workers arrived at the market with their paychecks in their pockets.

In some regions, the buyer came directly to the door. From the middle of the 19th century to the middle of the next century, peddlers with carry bags roamed many cities and towns. They bought and sold goods, including woolen socks. Again, men who got paid for log work were happy to buy warm hand-knitted (käsin neulottu)socks and other accessories as work clothes.

Socks were originally a men's accessory, because men needed socks to protect their feet. Men worked outside for long periods of time, and socks were necessary to keep the feet warm. Since men often wore breeches, the bare leg had to be protected with a long sock.

Women did not wear socks as often as men, as their legs were protected by their long skirts. Women also moved more in the yard and indoors, not outside. And there wouldn't have been any decorative stockings (sukkahousut) visible from under the woman's skirt. Instead, men's decorative socks were important. A man could pull his socks over his pant legs, so that the entire sock with its stem patterns was visible. Because of this, the most different and decorative socks were knitted for men as groom's gifts, for example. The pretty and colorful sock given to the man was also a sample of his bride's craftsmanship.

Knitting is so popular these days that there is talk of a 21st century knitting boom.

After modernisation we got knitting machines and knitting industrialised we then came back to basics. Knitting has been rediscovered as a useful leisure activity. Making things by hand brings so much joy and satisfaction! It is an inspiring addition to everyday life, which is rarely associated with manual skills anymore. The repetitive rhythm of knitting is very meditative and some very proficient knitters knit on “muscle memory” without thinking about it much. 

Before, all women knew how to knit.  Knitting was considered a part of a reputable woman's skill and taught at the public school. The national FInnish school system also taught everyone to knit in the same way. Knitting was an important skill, as socks and mittens (lapaset) were really needed in this climate. Finns still knit with a uniform technique, but otherwise the relationship with tradition has loosened. Even traditional models are made into new versions and colors are boldly used. You can see a generational difference in the attitude towards traditions. The joy of making, experimentation and creativity are important to young people, while the older generation may stick to authenticity both in terms of designs and materials. 

Ever since I was a child, I have personally appreciated hand knitted socks. I have received socks every Christmas from my grandmothers and aunts and even asked some of my friends to get me a pair if they were asking what I would like as a present for any occasion. I always wear woolen socks. Even now, when I am writing this blog article! The ones I am wearing now are light purple in color and they were given to me by my sister. 

I am left-handed and I have forgotten how to knit the heel of the sock. Currently I dont have anyone who would be able to teach me that, at the moment. 

In your home country, do they knit woolen socks or make any other type of clothing that is culturally important to you?