May 2026 Dr Angharad Thomas

KNITTED GLOVES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

The May meeting of the Eden Valley Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers saw a fascinating talk by Dr Angharad Thomas on ‘Knitted gloves of the British Isles’. She concentrated on the patterned gloves made in Sanquhar, in the Scottish Borders, and in our Cumbrian Dent, and had many examples she had knitted for us to admire. Few examples remain in museums – gloves are so easily lost or worn out – but Angharad showed us some images, and one precious pair from 1818 which she had bought at auction.

The patterns are in two colours only, those from Sanquhar being traditionally black and white, and modern patterns are available for those with the skill and patience to knit their own. Most were made from wool, and an intriguing feature of both Sanquhar and Dent gloves is that traditionally the year they were made and the initials of the maker or recipient are knitted into the cuff (or sometimes the palm, although this is very unusual).

Almost all Guild members are also experienced knitters, so we fully appreciated the skill required to knit these intricate designs. Angharad shared information about the most suitable knitting techniques, yarns and equipment for us to knit our own gloves, including the best way to spin our own wool. She also had copies of her book ‘A Knitter’s Guide to Gloves’ for sale, which members snapped up.

Angharad turned what may to some seem to be a niche and maybe dry subject into a most interesting and informative talk on craft and social history, and members spent a long time after it asking questions and examining the gloves.

Judith Edwards

Photo by Glenis Price