International Knit in Public Day – June 13, 2026

History of International Knit in Public Day

Knitting happens to be one of the oldest ways of making clothes. The earliest known accounts of knitting date it back to — at least — fifth-century Egypt. Egyptians used to knit cotton fibers, not wool. During this period, it was common for knitwear to have blessings or symbols knitted into them to avoid bad luck for the wearer. The practice later reached Europe through Mediterranean trade routes and the Americas with colonialism.

Knitting soon spread across the globe. Knitted weatherproof sweaters for sailors became relatively common in the 14th century. The advent of the Industrial Revolution brought with it the automation of tasks — knitting was no different. Knitting machines began being used to knit hosiery for the elite. A local knitting industry slowly emerged in Scotland, which began the production of knitted stockings for circulation across Europe. The first knitting loom was built in 1816, and the first even woolen textile factory was opened in 1856 by Eugene Rodier.

By the 20th century, knitwear had become deeply ingrained in the fabric of the modern fashion industry. It was featured in countless fashion collections, from lesser-known creatives to well-established luxury brands like Chanel. Today, knitwear is a part of wearable fashion throughout the year. The warmer months are full of knitted tops, dresses, and co-ord sets, and the colder weather is made a little bearable by warm sweaters, caps, mufflers, gloves, and balaclavas, among other knitted items.