Jump to maincontent

Knitting History

The exhibition shows the history of knitting from it was introduced in Norway in the beginning of the 1600s until the present day.

  • Knitting Girl
    Birte Sandvik | Norsk Folkemuseum

Knitting – From Past to Present

The largest group of knitted garments from the 18th century in the museum’s collection consists of mittens and socks. It was not until the mid-19th century that knitting became more widespread. This period saw the emergence of the first multicolored knitted jackets, for example in Setesdal and Fana. The exhibition presents examples of these garment types, as well as knitted items from urban environments.

Visitors can also see highlights from each decade up to the present day, including “hønsestrikk” patterns, the Per Spook sweater, and the Skappel sweater. The exhibition also displays a variety of knitting tools, both well-known and lesser-known, such as yarn hooks, knitting spoons, and various types of knitting needles.