Knitting

With knitted objects dating from the 12th century to the present day, our collection represents centuries of inventiveness. From underwear to outerwear, workwear to evening dress, made by hand or machine, professional or amateur, explore the rich diversity of items created using this technique. 

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Katie Jones – meet, make and do

Meet Katie Jones – technicolour knitwear and crochet designer passionate about her ethical craft

  1. Download

    1940s knitting patterns

    Get creating your classic 1940s fashion with our free downloadable patterns
  2. Read

    Interviews with knit designers and textile artists

    John Allen, Sasha Kagan, Patricia Roberts and Freddie Robins talk about their work and its inspiration
  3. Read

    Knitted eveningwear

    Discover how knitted fabrics have created glamorous evening dresses through the 20th century and beyond
  4. Read

    Knitted underwear

    From socks to vests, knitting has played a crucial part in underwear's evolution
  5. Download

    Knit a work of art by Freddie Robins

    Download a free pattern to make your own pair of Conrad gloves
  6. Read

    Knitting traditions of the British Isles and Ireland

    Discover knitting traditions from around the British Isles and Ireland
  7. Read

    A history of sweaters

    Discover the sweater's development from sportswear into a wardrobe staple and a form for designer experimentation
  8. Read

    The history of hand-knitting

    From carpets to caps, petticoats to purses, explore the wealth of objects created by hand-knitting

Collection highlights

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  1. pair of gloves
    Peter, pair of gloves, designed by Freddie Robins, 1997 – 9, UK
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  2. evening dress
    Evening dress, designed by Craig Lawrence, 2010, London, England
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  3. shawl
    Shawl, by Amy Johnston, 1935, Baltasound, Unst, Shetland islands
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  4. evening coat and hat
    Evening coat, designed by Biba, 1970, London, England
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  5. cardigan
    Romany, cardigan, by Patricia Roberts, 1982, England
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  6. golf jumper
    Golf jumper, 1920s, Shetland Islands
    On display
  7. knitting sheath
    Knitting sheath, 1679, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  8. knitting needle case and knitting needles
    The Sunflower Knitting Needle Case, knitting needle case and knitting needles, manufactured by Bassat Powell, 1870 – 90, London, England
    Young V&A
    On display
  9. waistcoat
    Rag rug waistcoat, by John Allen, 1990, London England
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  10. tracksuit
    Tracksuit showing scenes from the 2011 East London riots, by SIBLING, 2012, London, England
    V&A East Storehouse
    On display
  11. needle gauge
    Bell gauge, needle gauge, manufactured by G. Chambers & Co., 1847 – 99, England
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment

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Plato's Atlantis, dress, Alexander McQueen, Spring/Summer 2010, London, England. Museum no. T.11-2010. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

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Fashion

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Background image: Fashion in Motion: SIBLING, 2014. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London