the knitted Turban, UK 1943

a knitting visual from 1943 to 2010

sales in the 1930 - 1960 shop

knitting in 1943, UK & Germany

knitting in 1943, UK 

The 1940s in Britain was a high point for hand knitting.

Women on the home front could make a contribution to the war effort by knitting for the troops using patterns that were often given away free. Many specialised patterns developed such as the balaclava helmet with ear flaps for use in telephone operations or the mittens with a separate forefinger for firing a trigger in the cold.

Once the war was over both clothing and knitting wool were still rationed but people turned to knitting as a cheap way to enhance their wardrobes. Fine wool and pretty lacy patterns became fashionable.

knitting in 1940s, fully fashioned Berchtesgadener Strickjacke, Germany

German magazine, 2 different Berchtesgadener Strickjacke - photos to the left and skecth M below right - 38er Jahrgang from April 1934

The separate patterns ( Schnittbogen) for the technically interesting hand knitted Berchtesgadener Strickjacke, so popular at this time in Germany,  were unfortunately lost.

Photo of Berchtesgadener Strickjacke as worn by BDM girls during Germany´s most turbulent times, Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin

Courtesy the Stiftung Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin

fully fashioned machine knitted Berchtesgadener Strickjacke front & back, 1950s or early 60s, Germany

collection Constance Willems