History:
Its origin has been traced as far back as the fourth or fifth century B.C. In the past, knitting has been the occupation of shepherds watching their flocks, sailors whiling away the hours of long voyages, apprentices who studied it in early knitting guilds, and royal knitters in the court of England at the time of King Henry VIII.
Many ready-made items of clothing are knitted by machine, including sweaters, shirts, undergarments, socks and stockings. If you look closely, you'll see that the fabric is made up of many small interlocking loops. Hand knitted fabric looks much the same, although handmade stitches are slightly irregular.
Make it yourself!
Today handmade items have become a fashion look much in demand. In some ways, they are far more valuable than what can be bought in a store. An item you make for yourself is something you can have pride in as it displays your own talent and expertise. An item you make for someone else, in addition to being a beautiful garment, shows your love and appreciation for the recipient.
Whether you create a hat, or a purse, or a take on a more involved project 
like a sweater or coat, hand knitting is a popular pastime, producing items that are functional, economical, fashionable and fun to make.
Want to know more? Find a retailer near you.