In the 17th and 18th century knitting was highly popular occupation in Scotland. All Scottish families were involved in the knitting business, making; sweaters, accessories, socks, stockings and many more knitwear items. There are many different types of knitting techniques that originate from the Scottish Islands, some of these being; the Fair Isle technique, Argyle pattern/knitwear and the Liagrha.
Different Styles:
The Fair Isle technique, this is a technique used to create elaborate colourful patterns, traditionally a Fair Isle pattern consists of a palette of about five colours, with two colours being used per row and working them around and limiting the length of a run of any particular colour.
The argyle pattern, this pattern is used for kilts and plaids and also socks worn by Scottish Highlanders. The pattern originated in the 17th century and is derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell, of Argyll in western Scotland. Argyll patterns are sometimes woven, the pattern is generally accomplished using the intarsia technique and has become more popular in the last few years.
Facts:
Scottish knitting required a tool known as the Liaghra; it was most popular in the north west of Scotland and Argyll. The Liaghra was regionally known as a variety of names, in English it was known as a thread winder. The Liaghra consisted of two sticks crossed together in the centre, set on a swivel pin in a block of wood called the Stoc. The Stoc is then fixed in each of the four extremities of the sticks, and round this there would be a hank of thread placed, which is unravelled and made into a ball, as the operator spins the instrument round.
Places to buy:
www.pringlescotland.com
Pringle of Scotland was founded in 1815 at the birthplace of the Scottish knitwear industry. In the 19th and 20th century, Pringle of Scotland became globally known as one of the first luxury knitwear manufacturers in the world. The iconic brand is an increasingly popular brand in Scottish knitwear catering for all ages and a wide variety of designs, it is Scotland’s most famous knitwear brand.
www.lyle&scott.com
Lyle and Scott is a fast popular growing Scottish clothing brand, known for their outstanding service and mainly their high quality brand. Lyle and Scott pride themselves on having 135 years of history into the design and manufacturing of authentic Scottish knitwear. Their traditional audience is amongst golfers, but more recently the brand has become increasingly popular with a younger generation of people.
