In the Loop

Knitting has progressed from its fuzzy image of thick socks, long shawls and embarrassing reindeer motifs on Christmas sweaters. Now there are knitting groups that meet in bars, hundreds of clubs and contemporary artists that have reclaimed the craft. In the Loop looks at this progression from solitary hobby for old maids to mainstream craft.

Originally developed as a way to make a living, the position of knitting slowly changed from being a distinct craft to an unfashionable and dreary skill. The twenty-first century led to a strong comeback for the craft, and the popularity of knitting is clearly seen now in the many knit-clubs, knits-shops, knit-conferences and other knit-activities that have popped up in contemporary culture.

In the Loop is split into four sections: Rethinking Knitting; Narrative Knits; Site & Sight- Protest Knitting and Progress- Looking Back. Each section includes essays on these subjects by contemporary knitters, artists and academics. The essays cover the topics of knitting in art, international knitting traditions, knitting as social activism, the oral history of knitting, and knitting technology. These sections include case studies on knitting clubs, artists using knitting in their work, and other progressions in the role of knitting.

The book includes many visual essays and images of contemporary knitting, making this a visually informative review of the subject. The illustrations provide a fresh look at this subject and ensure this is an essential book for anyone with an interest in contemporary knitting.

Jessica Hemmings studied textile Design at the Rhode Island School of Design and Comparative Literature at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. She has written many articles for publications such as Bloom, Crafts and Selvedge. Currently she is associate Director if the Centre for Visual and Cultural Studies at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Sandy Black is the author of Eco-Chic (Black Dog Publishing, 2008) and Fashioning Fabrics (Black Dog Publishing, 2006) and is Professor of Fashion Design and Technology at the London College of Fashion.