From the Textile Museum Collection

Knitting, like many of the other textile arts, is practiced in diverse cultures and countries. It's traditional textures, colours and fineness of gauge vary greatly across both time and distance. Though knitted articles are few in the museum's collection, they do have some beautiful examples of the art of knitting. From a gossamer light lace shawl made in a Russian prison, to a colourful finely knit ch'ulla hat from Peru, there are treasures here for knitters.

Thanks to Textile Museum for granting permission for these images to be displayed and special thanks to Marion John, past Registrar, for finding them all in amongst the museum's extensive collection.

The Textile Museum, in Toronto, Ontario, has an extensive collection of textiles from around the world, primarily from the middle and far east, but also including many beautiful textiles from Europe and Canada. For more online information and images from their galleries, please visit Textile Museum web site.

Images from The Textile Museum

Follow the links below for more information about the pieces displayed.

European and Eastern European

Lace tablecover, from octagonal doilies, Eastern Europe

Lace Shawl, in extremely fine wool, Russia, cira 1880

Lace sampler, in fine cotton, Austria, late 19th century

Counterpane, in white cotton, Ireland, cira 1890

South America

Ch'ullu, a colourful child's hat, Peru

Woolen bag, in double knit, Guatemala

Knitted bag, Guatemala, 20th century

Sleeves, Huancauelica people, mid 20th century

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