A Timeless Tradition of Scottish Craftsmanship
Nestled in the heart of Scotland, the village of Sanquhar is a gem of a place where history and art intertwine through a unique tradition— Sanquhar Knitting. This age-old craft, characterised by its intricate patterns and vibrant colours, has been passed down through generations, showcasing the skill and creativity of Scottish artisans. Each piece tells a story, reflecting not just the techniques honed over centuries but also the cultural heritage of the region. From cozy garments to decorative items, Sanquhar knitting captures the essence of Scottish life, marrying functionality with beauty.
Let’s unravel the fascinating history and techniques behind this timeless tradition, exploring how it continues to inspire a new generation of crafters while preserving a vital piece of Scotland’s artistic legacy. Discover why Sanquhar knitting is more than just a craft; it’s a celebration of community, sustainability, and the enduring spirit of Scottish craftsmanship.
The History of Sanquhar Knitting
This unique form of knitting dates back to the 18th century, when local knitters began to create intricate and distinctive patterns that would become synonymous with the name Sanquhar. The patterns, often inspired by the natural surroundings and daily life of the villagers, were initially crafted for practical purposes, such as providing warmth in the harsh Scottish winters. Over time, these functional items evolved into highly prized pieces of art, creating a regional identity, much like the developing motifs all around Russia and the rest of the UK.
Early findings
The earliest examples of Sanquhar knitting were typically gloves and stockings, often made from wool sourced from local sheep. Each pattern was unique, often reflecting the personal stories, experiences, and even the emotions of the knitter. The tradition of Sanquhar knitting was passed down through generations, with each new knitter learning the craft from their elders. This ensured that the knowledge and skills were preserved and continued to evolve.
Growing reputation
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Sanquhar knitting gained wider recognition beyond the village. The intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship attracted the attention of collectors and enthusiasts from across the country and even internationally. This increased interest helped to secure the place of Sanquhar knitting within the broader context of Scottish cultural heritage.
Today, Sanquhar knitting is raising its profile again, not only for its historical significance but also for its ongoing influence on contemporary textile arts. The patterns and techniques developed by the early Sanquhar knitters continue to inspire new generations of crafters, ensuring that this timeless tradition remains vibrant and relevant in the modern world.
Key Characteristics of Sanquhar Patterns
Sanquhar knitting is renowned for its distinctive patterns, known for their geometric precision and intricate details. These patterns typically feature a combination of squares, diamonds, and other geometric shapes, often arranged in symmetrical and repetitive designs.
The use of high-contrast colours, such as black and white or dark blue and white, further enhances the visual impact of the patterns, making them instantly recognisable. If you love stranded colour work or fair isle knitting, you’ll easily be able to follow a pattern or even design one for yourself.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Sanquhar patterns also have a practical function. The dense, double-layered fabric created by the stranded colour work technique is perfect for keeping snuggly in the cold Scottish climate. The geometric designs often include small, repetitive motifs that can be easily memorised, allowing knitters to work on their projects without constantly referring to a pattern. Ideal to take to your knitting circle, on the bus or train.
The Cultural Significance of Sanquhar Knitting
Sanquhar knitting is a reflection of the Sanquhar community’s identity and history. Each piece tells a story, capturing the essence of the village and its people. The tradition of Sanquhar knitting has been handed down through generations. This continuity has helped to preserve the cultural significance of Sanquhar knitting, helping to raise awareness of this unique Scottish tradition.
Sanquhar knitting has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, showcasing the skill and creativity of the knitters. It even hit the BBC news last year featuring major advocate, artisan and tutor Mary McCormick (pictured in the first image on this page). This increased visibility has helped to re-secure the place of Sanquhar knitting within the broader context of Scottish cultural heritage and has inspired international knitters – particularly those who want to acknowledge their Scottish ancestors – to give it a go.
Supporting locals
In addition to its artistic and historical value, Sanquhar knitting also plays a role in promoting sustainability and community engagement. The use of locally sourced wool, supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of the craft. It’s a great example we can each follow in our own country. Support your local industry!
Furthermore, the tradition of passing down skills and knowledge through generations helps to strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of shared identity. By preserving and celebrating the tradition of Sanquhar knitting, the community is not only honouring its past but also ensuring a sustainable and connected future.
Materials and Techniques Used in Sanquhar Knitting
The wool used in Sanquhar knitting is sourced from local sheep, spun and then traditionally dyed in high-contrast colours, such as black and white or dark blue and white. The use of these contrasting colours is a key feature of Sanquhar knitting, making it easily recognisable. The yarn is typically of a fine gauge, which allows for the creation of the detailed and precise designs that are characteristic of Sanquhar knitting. Fingering weight (also sometimes called “4 ply”) is the most common.
The main technique used in Sanquhar knitting is stranded colour work or Fair Isle knitting. This technique involves knitting with two colours of yarn at the same time, creating a double-layered fabric that is both warm and durable. The patterns are created by alternating the colours in a specific sequence. One colour is floated along the back of the work while the other is knitted. Make sure the tension of your yarn is consistent and that the floats are not too tight or too loose across the back.
Adding more knitting fun
In addition to stranded colour work, Sanquhar knitting also incorporates other techniques, such as intarsia and lace knitting. Intarsia involves knitting with multiple colours of yarn to create large, non-repetitive patterns, while lace knitting involves creating openwork patterns by incorporating yarn overs and decreases.
These techniques add to the complexity and versatility of Sanquhar knitting, allowing for the creation of a wide range of designs and textures. The combination of these techniques, along with the use of high-quality materials, ensures that each piece of Sanquhar knitting is a unique crafted item. They often can last long enough to be inherited.
How to Get Started with Sanquhar Knitting
While it may seem daunting at first, especially given the complexity of the patterns, beginners can take comfort in knowing that many resources are available to guide them through the process. The first step is to gather the necessary materials, including fine gauge wool yarn in contrasting colours and a set of double-pointed or circular knitting needles. It is essential to choose high-quality yarn to achieve the best results. Choose yarn that does not fluff or “halo” too much. Ask your yarn shop expert for advice on yarns that will give a crisp finish.
The next step is to familiarise yourself with the basic techniques of Sanquhar knitting, particularly stranded colour work. Many online tutorials and instructional videos are available to help beginners learn the intricacies of this technique.
Practice knitting small swatches to get comfortable with holding and alternating between two colours of yarn. Pay close attention to maintaining consistent tension to ensure that the carried yarn on the back of the work does not pull too tightly or sag. This practice will help you build confidence and develop the skills needed to tackle more complex patterns.
Keep it spacious
Some of the ladies in my local Guild encourage stretching out the recently worked stitches on the right needle to make sure both working yarns are relaxed. I asked them why colour work doesn’t turn into a big mess of oversized stitches when they do this. They shrugged and said “it just seems to work”. The fibres of the wool hold the stitch where you place it, even if the floats at the back are slack. That’s the magic of knitting!
Once you’ve practiced your colour work in samples or small items, you can start experimenting with simple Sanquhar patterns. Hats and scarfs have less shaping, are more manageable and provide an excellent opportunity to practice your skills. Once you feel more confident, you can try gloves and sweaters. Many pattern books and online resources offer a wide range of Sanquhar knitting designs. I’ve included some examples below which are either free or low cost.
If you are a machine knitter, you can also create programs to match the Sanquhar patterns like these ladies did. https://www.dgwgo.com/dumfries-galloway-news/historic-sanquhar-pattern-knitwear-comes-life/
Popular Sanquhar Knitting Patterns
Sanquhar knitting boasts a rich repertoire of patterns, each with its unique charm and historical significance. Among the most popular designs is the “Duke” pattern, named after the Duke of Buccleuch, a prominent figure in the region’s history.
The Duke of Buccleuch pattern sample is from here https://www.futuremuseum.co.uk/collections/life-work/key-industries/textiles/sanquhar-knitting/socks-in-the-duke-pattern-1
Another well-loved pattern is the “Glendyne” design, which is characterised by its bold, diagonal lines and diamond-shaped motifs. This pattern is thought to have been inspired by the landscape of Glendyne, a picturesque area near Sanquhar. The “Glendyne” pattern is typically used in larger items, such as shawls and blankets, where the sweeping lines and dynamic shapes can be fully appreciated.
The “Cornet” pattern is another iconic Sanquhar design, featuring a series of interlocking squares and diamonds arranged in a checkerboard fashion. This pattern is named after the cornet, a ceremonial role in the annual Sanquhar Riding of the Marches, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century.
Sanquhar Knitting in Modern Fashion
While Sanquhar knitting has deep historical roots, it has more recently sparked influence in modern fashion. The extra exposure is brilliant for raising the profile of the Scottish region and has prompted a number of tour operators to offer tours of the region. Even Vogue Knitting magazine took their own tour group there.
Contemporary designers and fashion brands have embraced the intricate patterns of Sanquhar knitting, incorporating these elements into their collections. From high-end couture to everyday wear, Sanquhar knitting has found a place in the wardrobes of fashion-forward individuals around the world.
Collaborations
One of the ways in which Sanquhar knitting has made its mark on modern fashion is through collaborations between traditional artisans and contemporary designers. These collaborations often result in unique and innovative pieces that blend the best of both worlds. For example, a designer might work with a skilled Sanquhar knitter to create a bespoke sweater or scarf that features a traditional pattern but is made from luxurious, sustainable fibres. These collaborative efforts have hit the runway and help to keep the tradition of Sanquhar knitting alive while also introducing it to new audiences and markets.
Many independent designers and fashion brands have also begun to incorporate Sanquhar-inspired elements into their own collections. This can take the form of garments and accessories that feature traditional Sanquhar patterns, as well as more abstract interpretations that draw on the geometric shapes and high-contrast colours.
By reimagining Sanquhar knitting in a contemporary context, these designers are helping to ensure that the tradition remains relevant and continues to evolve. This fusion of old and new is a wonderful way to inspire creativity and innovation in the world of fashion.
Preserving the Tradition: Contemporary Artisans and Their Work
The preservation of Sanquhar knitting is a labor of love carried out by dedicated contemporary artisans who are passionate about keeping this tradition alive. These modern-day knitters and craftspeople have taken it upon themselves to learn the intricate patterns and techniques of Sanquhar knitting. They often seek out knowledge from older generations or through extensive research.
Their commitment to mastering the craft ensures that the skills and knowledge associated with Sanquhar knitting are not lost but rather passed down to future generations. By doing so, they are helping to preserve an important part of Scotland’s cultural heritage. Not all young ones have the time nor the inclination to learn from their mothers and grandmothers. It is a great relief to see the extra interest spark in new fans that might not even have Scottish ancestors.
Teaching the skills
Many contemporary artisans have also taken on the role of educators, sharing their expertise with others through workshops, classes, and online tutorials. These educational initiatives are crucial for the continuation of the Sanquhar knitting tradition, as they provide aspiring knitters with the skills and confidence needed to create their own pieces.
By teaching others, these artisans are fostering a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about the craft, ensuring that the tradition of Sanquhar knitting continues to thrive. The sense of camaraderie means you might be a part of that community living on the other side of the world.
If you fall in love with Sanquhar, you might like to consider creating and selling your knitting pieces at craft fairs, markets or even online. There are bound to be men and women who would love to wear a piece from their Scottish homeland, or the homeland of their ancestors, who cannot knit as well as you. You may even find others have no connection to Scotland but want to buy it simply for its beauty alone.
Conclusion: The Future of Sanquhar Knitting
Ultimately, the future of Sanquhar knitting lies in the hands of those who are passionate about preserving and celebrating this timeless tradition. Whether through education, collaboration, or the creation of beautiful handmade items, the efforts of contemporary artisans and enthusiasts are crucial to the ongoing vitality of Sanquhar knitting.
As long as there are individuals who are dedicated to the craft and its heritage, the tradition of Sanquhar knitting will continue to thrive, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of Scottish craftsmanship and the rich cultural history of the village of Sanquhar.
Find out more
There’s a Facebook group who share Sanquhar patterns, love to show off their projects and give advice: https://www.facebook.com/sanquharpatterndesigns
They are linked to the promotional website where you can book tours, get lessons or buy the garments already made: https://www.sanquharknits.com/
Sanquhar Knitting Patterns on Ravelry
Free sampler cushion pattern by Designer Judy Furlong https://api.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sanquhar-sampler-cushion
Scarf sampler https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sanquhar-scarf-sampler
Hat or “Kep” https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sanquhar-kep
Matching hat and scarf https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sanquhar-hat-and-scarf
Sanqhuar socks for all sizes https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sanquhar-socks-3
Simple mittens https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-sanquhar-mittens