Knitting: Fashion, Industry, Craft

In this fascinating book, Sandy Black charts the development of knitting, from domestic handcraft to one of the most sophisticated computer controlled textile production processes used in high fashion.

Using stunning new photography, Knitting draws on the V&As superlative collection of knitted fashions and artefacts, ranging from commonplace articles of everyday use to virtuoso examples of the knitters craft, including finely knit and embroidered silk stockings, intricate lacewear, Victorian beaded bags and knitted dresses from designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Julien Macdonald. It will inform and inspire all those interested in this popular craft and thriving industry.

Sandy Black is Professor of Fashion and Textile Design and Technology at the London College of Fashion. She began her career designing knitwear for theatre, television, interiors and fashion. Her international knitwear business, Original Knitting was complemented by a range of Sandy Black knitting patterns and yarns. She curated the touring exhibition, The New Knitting and is the author of numerous publications including Knitwear in Fashion (2002), Fashioning Fabrics (2006) and Eco-Chic: The Fashion Paradox (2008). She is founder and co-editor of the journal Fashion Practice: Design, Creative Process and the Fashion Industry (Berg).