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What Is the Oldest Knitting in the “New World?” | Spin Off

SUBknitted socks

What Is the Oldest Knitting in the “New World?”

Historic knitting can challenge our spinning assumptions. Cotton for socks? A garter-stitch heel? Learn about the socks a community of sixteenth-century Peruvian knitters left behind—and more!

Debbie BlairMay 24, 20242 min read

striped knitted socks
Carrie Brezine's stockings were inspired by knitted stocking artifacts excavated at Magdalena de Cao Viejo, Peru—the first material evidence of knitting in the Americas at that time. Photo by Joe Coca

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  • A Stocking Study: Spinning Cotton for KnittingDevin found that handspun cotton yarn resulted in more elasticity and memory than commercial cotton yarns. How would this yarn work for socks, especially for someone who is used to knitting wool socks?Devin Helmen · October 2, 2024
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There are many fibers and blends that are great for socks, and pairing fiber and sock type can help your socks last.
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  • Your Finished Object: Frasier Fir SocksThis knitter set out to achieve a smooth color progression in her handspun yarn, using East Friesian fleece that she had dyed in two colorways and subsequently blended into six shades.Beate Fischer · August 27, 2024
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  • Knitting Traditions from Around the World: One Woman’s QuestIrene Waggener’s global travels inspire her spinning and knitting classes—including at this year’s SOAR event—her patterns, and even a book!Debbie Blair · March 1, 2024
  • Color Your World!I was very excited to learn that the theme of this year’s spin-along is colorwork. Take a look at my collection of handknits and you’ll see that colorwork is so obviously my true fiber love!Stefanie Johnson · February 19, 2024
  • Food and Drink Dyes Can Yield Complex Colors?These Queen of Diamond socks are brilliant, not only in their deep, rich color but also in their conception and toe-up construction. See how the author dyed, spun, and knitted this stunning pair, plus get the pattern! Debbie Blair · January 29, 2024
  • Targhee for Knitters and WeaversWhat makes Targhee a dream for knitters and weavers? Well, for starters, this springy, bouncy, medium-finewool holds its shape beautifully and is comfortable next to the skin.Maggie Casey · January 22, 2024
  • Her Handspun Habit: Why Targhee Makes For Great Handspun, Handknitted SocksI was sure I didn’t much like spinning Targhee, nor did I love knitting socks. That is, until I came across a pair of socks so sensational that they called into question whether I knew myself at all.Deborah Held · December 25, 2023

    • From the Library

    PatternSocks Fit for a Spinner
    PatternDouble-Cable Socks for Spinners
    eBookSpin Your Socks 3: 5 More Favorite Sock Patterns
    PatternMagdalena de Cao Viejo Stockings
    5Celebrate a Century of Targhee Sheep

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