Knitting and the Amish
Amish Crafts–Yarn
I’m sometimes asked if the Amish knit and crochet. The answer is yes! The Amish do knit and crochet. It’s not uncommon to see women working on a project as they sit in a booth at a produce stand or while waiting at an auction. They’re likely to make things such as socks, lap blankets, buggy blankets, baby sweaters, etc.
When I first began writing Falling to Pieces, I was pretty sure I’d seen Amish women knit. But “pretty sure” isn’t quite good enough, so I called the yarn shop in Shipshewana (D’vine Gallery). They assured me that the Amish stop in and buy yarn, though they often buy the less expensive or sale type. Some Amish even spin their own yarn!
I am not a good knitter. I’m a little better at crochet. Mostly I stick to prayer shawls and Chemo caps. If you haven’t checked out Crochet for Cancer, please do. These folks are able to get your items in the hands of people who need them. I also really liked this article by Lion Brand on the health benefits of yarn craft. I’m often asked where I get my crochet patterns. I just google what ever I’m looking for like “crochet baby blanket beginner.” It’s amazing what you will find.
Whether you knit, crochet, or simply enjoy what others do, I hope that this weekend finds you rested, healthy, and enjoying the day.
Blessings,
V
Comments 3
Will Amish use alpaca fiber to make yarn.
Hi Vanetta! I know this is an old post, but I wanted to comment, and ask if you know if the Amish were buying yarn to knit or crochet? I live in Lancaster County PA and have an Amish family background, and I find that knitting is pretty uncommon for the circles I have contact with. Everyone learns to crochet, it seems, but knitting is rare, at least what I’ve seen. I’m curious as to why this is and whether it’s the same way in other places, so I’d be interested to know which craft they were actually doing, if you know!
Author
The short answer is, I’m not sure. I have seen some Amish women knitting (probably in Indiana), but you are right that crocheting seems to be more popular. As far as buying yarn, they do of course purchase some yarn but in my experience they usually purchase what’s on sale. Also, I’ve known Amish women to buy sweaters, etc at garage sales, frog it back, wash it, and make something new. I hope that helps!