Knitting Sheath

This special knitting sheath gives us a lovely insight into the dying art of traditional hand knitting. It was cleverly designed to hold one of the knitting needles, allowing the knitter to work more efficiently and comfortably, especially when using double-pointed or long knitting needles

Our knitting sheath, dated 1837, includes some interesting marks. Sheaths were often carved as love tokens for a young man’s bride to be, but men also made sheaths for their daughters or other close family members. This sheath is carved with swirls and a plant-like motif. The diagonal cross, through the centre of the sheath, is likely to be a protective symbol, to ward off unwanted spirits. It is perhaps the most common of markings to be found on carved items and utensils appearing on many objects from snuff boxes to apple scoops and pipe cases – and our very own Museum witch post, which can be seen in Stang End Cottage.

The shapes, styles and decorations on knitting sheaths varied by where they were from across the country, and even across North Yorkshire where there were notable differences across the county and even from dale to dale!