Useful websites
The links in this section are to organisations and websites which offer useful reference material and information, the list is not exhaustive, do contact us if you want to share your favourites by contacting our Guild Secretary.
This contact information is provided in good faith for the benefit of members and others. The Knitting & Crochet Guild does not necessarily recommend the individuals or organisations listed here and cannot accept any responsibility for any consequences of any dealings anyone contacting them may have.
Academic & historical
Antique Pattern Library a marvellous array of patterns and books which have been scanned and are available to download providing you have the correct version of Adobe reader.
Knitting of the Dales with a history which spans four centuries find out how the Knitting Tradition had its origins in York and was forced into more rural parts, eventually finding its way into the Yorkshire Dales, where it has become an established trade and art form.
Knitting History Forum is an international society originally founded in 1993. Their members advance and promote the history of knitting through research, historical reconstruction and by exchanging information.
Knitting Together the heritage of the East Midlands knitting industry with online gallery.
ULITA and Archive of International Textiles is housed in St Wilfred’s Chapel on the Western Campus of the University of Leeds. The purpose of the archive is to collect, preserve and document textiles and related items from many of the textile producing areas of the world for the benefit of scholars, researchers and the general public. ULITA is primarily a textiles archive, where items can be consulted by individuals and small groups by making an appointment. A rich online catalogue can be viewed to see the major collections.
Crafts, guilds, specialist organisations and societies
Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers their objectives are the preservation and improvement of the craftsmanship in hand weaving, spinning and dyeing for the benefit of the public and the promotion of public education in such craftsmanship.
A.T.E.L.I.E.R.(European Association for Study, Liaison, Innovation, Research into Textiles) is an association whose members are breeders (sheep, Mohair goats, cashmere rabbits or alpacas), shearers, spinners, weavers or knitters, small industrialists or craftsmen, artists or researchers. Website in French and English but more frequently updated in French.
British Button Society formed in 1976 by a group of people interested in collecting buttons and researching their history. There is a wealth of history around buttons and their manufacture – members’ interests include: military, railway, hunt, livery and dress buttons – many of which are real works of art.
Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) is an educational organisation dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of crochet.
Heirloom Knitting is dedicated to those who love the beauty of hand knitted Shetland Lace and who also enjoy traditional lace knitting (sometimes known as white knitting).
Knitting beyond the Hebrides the KBTH website and listings are dedicated to those wanting to share information and techniques about traditional forms of knitting, such as Fair Isle, Aran and Guernsey.
National Sheep Association includes a guide to breeds of sheep in the UK.
Ring of Tatters an international organisation to support the craft of tatting.
The Textile Society is a unique forum for textile professionals and enthusiasts. The Society promotes the study of textile disciplines and celebrates the history and culture of textiles, both traditional and contemporary.
UK Hand Knitting Association the ‘Knitty-pedia’ of all things hand knitting and crochet.
Online groups
Crochet Partners free discussion group with a full range of services for crochet lovers.
Facebook the Knitting & Crochet Guild has it’s own very active group do come and join us.
Ravelry is a free site for knitters and crocheters (registration required) the Knitting & Crochet Guild has its own group, KCG, do come join us.
Pinterest is be a great resource for ideas and inspiration; just search for knitting, crochet.
YouTube has a large range of teaching videos for all crafters, whether beginner or advanced, right or left handed.
Craftsy (registration required) offers a range of online tutorials, typically there is a charge.
Yarns and yarn industry organisations
Crafts Council their goal is to make the UK the best place to make, see, collect and learn about contemporary craft – type in “Knitting” in their search area to see details of shows, displays – sadly nothing under “Crochet” at as October 2017.
Craft Yarn Council represents the leading yarn companies, accessory manufacturers, magazine, book publishers, and consultants in the yarn industry in America.
