Knitting Leaflet Project

What are knitting pattern leaflets?

Knitting pattern leaflets are small paper booklets containing knitting patterns – for articles including garments and accessories, toys, homeware, items for pets, and trimmings (fancy edgings and other embellishments that might be added to larger items). First introduced in Britain around the beginning of the twentieth century, they are produced by yarn manufacturers for promotional purposes.

Where do the leaflets in this project come from?

The leaflets used in this project are part of the Knitting & Crochet Guild's Collection: housed in Britannia Mills, Yorkshire, the largest collection of knitting and crochet-related items in the UK. In total, the Collection contains over 50,000 patterns, including the Patons archive. Digitised patterns are available free to KCG members.

The Knitting & Crochet Guild is a UK-based, volunteer-run, national educational charity dedicated to the study and practice of knitting and crochet – including machine knitting. For further information, including more about the Collection, how to join, and the benefits of membership, click here.

Why can’t I see the patterns?

The patterns have not been shared at the request of the Knitting & Crochet Guild, who restrict access to patterns in their Collection to members. For more information about membership, click here.

Which system of classifying knitwear does this project use?

This project uses the knitwear classification system developed by the Knitting & Crochet Guild, for use in their Collection.

I don’t understand the terminology!

Because some technical knowledge is required to answer the questions, this project is aimed at knitters – the Field Guide (click the tab on the right of your screen) should help however, as it gives more detailed descriptions and links to example images. Please note that UK knitting terminology is used throughout, with US equivalents where appropriate.

Where are the Talk boards?

There are two ways of accessing the Talk boards:

1. Click Talk near the top of the page (after About and Classify).

2. Once you’ve finishing classifying an image, you will be given the option to select Done & Talk: this will take you to the Notes Talk board, where you can comment on that particular image. If after using Done & Talk you would like to continue classifying another subject, you can either use the browser’s Back button or click the Classify link near the top of the page.

What if I make a mistake?

The Back and Next buttons allow you to change your answers, until you select Done.

What if something isn't on the list?

Because knitwear designs are so complex and varied, it has been impossible to include everything! So if you can't find exactly what you're looking for on the list of options, select the nearest equivalent - e.g. a shawl collar classifies as a big collar, Swiss darning classifies as embroidery.

If you really can't find an equivalent, please click Talk in the menu bar and head to the ‘Unlisted Items’ Talk board - you can record it there. Please be aware that anything you share on the ‘Unlisted Items’ Talk board may be cited in research outputs. For further information, see Privacy and Confidentiality below.

How do I save my answers?

Your answers will be saved automatically.

How do I end my session?

When you're ready to stop answering questions about pattern leaflets, you can end your session by signing out and/or closing your browser. Your answers will be saved automatically.

What will be done with the data recorded from the leaflets?

After the project has finished, the data recorded from the leaflets will be made available in the Knitting & Crochet Guild's Collection, where members of the public can use them to learn more about knitting and knitwear in Britain during the twentieth century. Ellie will analyse the data and publish her findings, in publications that will, where possible, be open-access.