#FunFact: Knitting Royals – Which Royals Worked Their Magic with Stitches
Knitting in palaces? For centuries, royal families have embraced handcrafts – not only as a pastime but also as a symbol of patriotism, community, and relatability.
👵 Queen Mother – Comfort in Stitches
The Queen Mother (1900–2002) was known for her strength during WWII. Lesser known: she often turned to knitting and crochet. As her biographer wrote:
"Handwork gave her moments of normality amidst the turmoil of war."
(Source: Shawcross, William. The Queen Mother: The Official Biography, 2009)
👑 Queen Mary – Knitting for the Front
Queen Mary of Teck (1867–1953) led the "Queen Mary's Needlework Guild" during WWI. Millions of knitted items were produced and shipped to soldiers. A 1915 article in The Times reported:
"The Queen herself knits tirelessly and urges all women of the realm to do the same."
🧵 Queen Elizabeth II – From Doll Clothes to Personal Gifts
As a child, Queen Elizabeth II practiced knitting by making clothes for her dolls. Her governess recalled:
"The little princess spent hours making garments for her dolls."
(Source: Crawford, Marion. The Little Princesses, 1950)
Later in life, she kept knitting as a private hobby, occasionally gifting her handmade items to close friends and staff.
🌸 Princess Margaret – Knitting in Public
Princess Margaret was famously glamorous, yet she too was photographed with knitting in hand during the 1950s – making royalty appear more relatable.
🏰 5. Middle Ages – Spinning Wheel & Guilds
The spinning wheel arrived in Europe around the 11th/12th century, greatly accelerating production. Spinning became a typical women's craft, often organized within guilds.
🇳🇱 Queen Máxima – A Modern DIY Spirit
Dutch Queen Máxima may not be photographed with needles, but she actively promotes sustainability and DIY projects, emphasizing the value of handmade work for creativity and social connection.
👗 Royal Knitwear in Fashion
Royals have also shaped knitwear fashion:
-
Princess Diana's iconic sheep jumper (Warm & Wonderful, 1981) became a worldwide sensation.
-
Princess Kate Middleton is often seen in chic knitted pullovers at public events.
-
Prince Charles has long promoted British wool industries, famously wearing knitwear as a statement of support.
💛 My Takeaway:
Knitting royals show us that stitches can be a political message, a personal comfort, and a fashion statement all at once. Their stories remind us that handcrafts connect people across every social boundary.
👑 Ready to cast on your own royal project?
Discover my patterns, explore new stitches, and get inspired by the royals! 🧶💂♀️
#FunFacts #strickenimtrend #maschenmitliebe #royals #knittinghistory
From wartime knitting drives to fashion statements, the royal stitches remind us: creativity and handcraft are timeless. Maybe tonight, you'll knit your own "royal piece."
Warmly,
Kathrin 🧶
Want to dive deeper into the world of stitches?
Explore my patterns, browse the blog, or join our community!