Knitting the Nation, Circular Knitting Machines

The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host a program on the history and operation of circular knitting machines at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, as part of its “Past Times at Glidden” series.

Presenter Dona Walzer will demonstrate a working circular knitting machine while sharing the story of how this remarkable invention helped transform textile production during the Industrial Age. The demonstration will be held at the Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway. The demonstration and program are included with the museum’s $5 admission fee. Children under 14 years of age are free. Tours of the Homestead and blacksmithing demonstrations will also be available that day.

The circular knitting machine allowed factories to quickly produce knitted items such as hats, mittens, socks, and scarves—goods that were in high demand and far more time-consuming to make by hand. As home knitters adopted these machines, they played a significant role…