Knitting Guilds

Knitting is the creation of knit fabric using a minimum of two needles and yarn. While this hobby is now often labeled as "women's work", at certain points in history, knitting was a man's job. Historically, women were responsible for the knit items worn by themselves and their family.

During the Middle Ages, professional guilds were formed in which only men could participate. Thus the knit items made by women were officially relegated to items to be worn at home, while items knit by the male guild members were suitable for sale. Young boys would be apprenticed to a master knitter, and through several years of work and instruction, would gain the knowledge required to be a master knitter.

Though women were barred from entering this profession on their own, there were some exceptions to the rules. A woman may be allowed entry into a knitting guild if her husband, a master knitter, left her a widow with no means of supporting herself. Her work also had to pass the quality standards set forth by the guild.

Modern guilds do not have an application process, and few require fees to join. However, members are expected to pay for materials given to them in classes. Fortunately, the knitting guilds of the modern world do not have such barriers to entry. Knitting guilds, and other fiber-craft related guilds, focus more on friendship, teaching, and promoting the fiber arts. A typical guild meets about once a month, and typically has classes or sessions on specific topics for guild members. For instance, during one month, a guild may have a guest speaker on wool yarn, and the next month have a workshop devoted to dyeing yarn. Guilds also serve as a base for knitting groups, where people simply meet to knit and socialize.

Guilds today do not have the same barriers of entry as the guilds of the past; one will not be barred entry into a guild because of their age or gender. Oftentimes, a beginning knitter does not even know about the existence of a knitting or fiber art related guild in their area. Because of this, many guilds advertise in local yarn shops, or hold demonstrations at local craft fairs, farmers markets, or other public events.

It is very important for a new knitter to seek out a guild as they provide many benefits. Upon joining a guild, a beginner knitter will instantly have access to more advanced knitters who can help and troubleshoot their knitting issues. Guilds provide the lectures and classes at a fraction of the cost of what a store or knitting teacher would charge for the same lesson. The guild may also have their own lending library, where members can borrow books, patterns and even equipment. Finally, a guild provides a knitter with an outlet to find other knitters.

About the Author

Daniel Blinman is writing on behalf of Cocoon Knit; who are Yarn Suppliers and sell Knitting Wool