KNITTING, BAG

This unusual dainty hand knitted bag (called a reticule} was a popular lady’s fashion accessory from mid 19th century until around 1920. This bag made circa 1855 in England.

Knitted in coloured cotton threads in Florentine design, the stitches at the top, back and front, are threaded onto round metal bars with round metal knobs at each end. Chain handle.

Early 1800s the patterns of hand knitted bags were cherished and passed down to posterity. Bag patterns were jealously guarded. “domestic jealously and social envy” concerning secrecy of beaded bag patterns. Bag patterns were cherished and given only to a select few, even in families.

Later in the century, printed women’s magazines offered a variety of styles and patterns for personal use enabling the lady to show her handwork skills.5