Welcome to Heirloom Knits

The Heirloom Knits website is a valuable resource for heirloom knitting, Victorian knitting, knitting terms, knitting abbreviations translations, free patterns and knitting techniques.

"It is with great sadness and regret that we inform you that after a short illness, Judith passed away peacefully in her sleep on 24th January 2008. This website will remain open for a period as a tribute to Judith and her knitting"
Classic Baby Blanket - project 12 from the book Heirloom Knits
Photo: Classic Baby Blanket - 1930 Heirloom Knits © Collins & Brown 2007
Lace and Eyelet Bolster - project 6 from the book Heirloom Knits
Photo Lace and Eyelet Bolster - 1870 Heirloom Knits © Collins & Brown 2007

Free Patterns

Recently added to the website is a selection of free patterns for Doilies, Handbag, Cameo Knitting, Insertions and Edgings. You can find and download them on the free patterns page.

Knitting Fashion

Knitting is making a comeback, including post war recycling, which has now become fashionable again because of today's lifestyles.

Very early knitting patterns and designs were based around small squares or panels. Since the panels could be mixed or pieced together in different ways and the edging could be varied, the resulting design was unique to each knitter.

I have spent many years tracing these old patterns and their sources to enable them to be knitted as they were intended - ranging from a lacy leaf throw and stitch sampler rug to a cuddly baby blanket and candlewick cushion (photo below).

A Candlewick Cushion - project 9 in the book Heirloom Knits
Photo: Candlewick Cushion - 1900 Heirloom Knits © Collins & Brown 2007