This book explains how the stocking frame worked, describes the lives of the knitters and illustrates the kinds of buildings in which knitting was done.

One of the first technological developments in the textile industries, dating from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the frame was intended for use in the home and the whole family was involved, the men working the frame itself while their wives and children wound bobbins and seamed stockings.

Since the hosiery industry was the last of the textile industries to mechanise, many of these family workshops remain. This book lists some examples both in Britain and Europe where the hand process is still demonstrated.