Square loom used to manufacture socks, c. fisrt half 19th century. Museum of Mataró. Can Marfà Knit Fabric.
Since the ancient world, knitting has been yet another element of traditional textiles, just like spinning, lacemaking, sewing and embroidery. The knit articles traditionally crafted at home, which were mostly used for family consumption, were knitted by hand using natural fibres like linen and wool and, after the 18th century, cotton. The most luxurious products, made with fibres like silk, were meant for the wealthier social classes and were commissioned to specialised artisans who worked in small studios using manually-operated machines.
