The art of knitting in Quebec is much more than a simple craft technique; it's a true testament to Quebec's history, culture and identity over the centuries. From the arrival of the first French settlers in the early 17th century to the present day, knitting has evolved, transformed and persisted as a living tradition, reflecting the diverse cultural influences and necessary adaptations to Quebec's harsh climate.
The origins of knitting date back to the 4th and 5th centuries, well before the colonization of the territory that would become Quebec (Radio-Canada, 2017). The technique spread throughout Western Europe during the Middle Ages, mainly to make gloves, stockings and hats. Guilds and guilds of hosiery makers developed around this artisanal and commercial activity, particularly in France, where the first settlers of New France came from (Les Petites Mains, 2010).
In this text, we explore the evolution of knitting in Quebec from 1600 to the present day, highlighting the cultural influences that have shaped the practice, Quebec's yarn and knitting traditions, and the distinctive features and characteristics that characterize Quebec knitting. Through this journey through time, we'll discover how this craft has adapted to the needs of the population, climatic constraints and social evolutions, while preserving a precious know-how that continues to inspire new generations of artisans and knitting enthusiasts.
The beginnings of knitting in New France (1600-1760)
The arrival of the first French settlers in New France in the early 17th century also marked the introduction of European knitting techniques to the territory that would later become Quebec. Faced with the harsh winters of the North American continent, knitting quickly became a necessity rather than just a hobby. The women of the colony, whether from the nobility or the working classes, quickly adapted their knitting skills to local realities and resources.
During this period, knitting was mainly practiced by noblewomen in the 17th and 18th centuries as a refined art, but also by settler women as an essential activity for survival (Radio-Canada, 2017). The techniques and motifs brought over from France have been preserved, but have also evolved through contact with native practices and environmental constraints.
A remarkable testimony to this era is a knitted stocking dating from before 1690, discovered during archaeological excavations of the wreck of the "Elizabeth and Mary", a British ship that sank during William Phips' siege of Quebec. The stocking, preserved in the Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec, is a two-tone wool knit of beige and dark brown yarns. The weave consists of right-sided stitches, with the threads twisted into a "Z" shape. This precious artifact provides information on the manufacturing techniques of the period and the importance of knitted garments in the daily lives of the inhabitants of New France (Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec, n.d.).
The first Quebec knitwear was mainly utilitarian: stockings, mittens, hats and other warm garments needed to face the harsh winters. The yarn used came from locally raised sheep, a practice encouraged by colonial authorities to ensure the colony's self-sufficiency. Spinning, dyeing and knitting techniques were passed down from mother to daughter, creating a strong family tradition and valuable know-how.
The Ursulines, who arrived in Quebec City in 1639, played a crucial role in transmitting knitting techniques to the colony's young girls. In their schools, they taught not only reading, writing and religion, but also domestic arts, including knitting. This education helped standardize techniques and preserve European traditions, while adapting them to the North American context.
The Evolution of Knitting in Quebec (1760-1900)
After the British Conquest in 1760, knitting in Quebec significantly evolved, influenced by political, economic and social changes. During this period, knitting became a symbol of cultural resistance and identity affirmation for French Canadians, while at the same time being enriched by new influences.
The period following the Conquest saw the emergence of a particular form of textile craft which, although distinct from traditional knitting, shares with it a major cultural importance: the arrow belt. This technique, which involves braiding or weaving several strands of different-colored yarn, has become emblematic of Quebec heritage. As reported in an article in Histoire & tricot (2009), "Once upon a time, in Lanaudière, after the Conquest, some French-Canadians, to make the English jealous, decided to 'gossip' about colorful belts to fasten their coats. And when the Patriotes brandished it as a sign of freedom, they sealed its destiny."
The arrow belt, with its distinctive motifs such as those from Deux-Montagnes or L'Assomption, is a perfect illustration of the fusion of French, British and native influences that characterizes Quebec textile craftsmanship. The techniques, motifs and even vocabulary associated with this art form bear witness to this cultural cross-fertilization: "For the motifs, we'll speak of arrows and clean arrows, while Mme Bourret, in her book, calls them lightning and flame" (Histoire & tricot, 2009).
At the same time, traditional knitting continued to evolve. Industrialization in the 19th century transformed textile production, with the appearance of the first knitting machines. As Radio-Canada (2017) notes, "With the invention of the knitting machine in the 19th century, hand knitting remained useful, but lost its indispensability." Nevertheless, in rural Quebec, hand-knitting remained an essential activity of the domestic economy.
Quebec women continued to knit clothes for their families, perpetuating traditional techniques while adapting them to new fashions and available materials. Hand-knitted stockings, mittens, sweaters and hats remained indispensable winter wardrobe staples, particularly in rural areas where access to manufactured goods was limited.
This period also saw the emergence of distinctly Québécois patterns and styles, influenced as much by French heritage as by exchanges with aboriginal communities and British and Irish newcomers. Geometric patterns, bright color combinations and techniques adapted to the harsh climate became characteristic of Québécois knitting of this period.
Knitting in Quebec in the 20th Century
The 20th century marked a period of profound transformation for knitting in Quebec, reflecting the social, economic and cultural changes that shaped modern Quebec society. During this period, knitting evolved from a daily necessity to a leisure activity, while retaining its cultural and heritage value.
In the first half of the century, knitting remained an essential activity in many Quebec households, particularly in rural areas. The two world wars revived the importance of knitting, as Quebec women, like their counterparts in other countries, knitted socks, mittens and sweaters for soldiers at the front. This collective mobilization around knitting reinforced its social and community role.
The post-war era saw the emergence of a consumer society and easier access to manufactured clothing, which transformed the nature of knitting. As Radio-Canada (2017) points out, in a traditional post-war Quebec, "the housewife indulges in the art of knitting" no longer out of necessity, but as a leisure activity and personal expression. The May 19, 1966 program "Femme d'aujourd'hui" is a good illustration of this evolution, where Yvonne Cloutier addresses female viewers by offering to knit a tie for their husbands, thus transforming knitting into a gesture of care and affection rather than an economic necessity.
The 1960s and 1970s, marked by the Quiet Revolution and feminist movements, saw knitting take on a new dimension. On the one hand, some women turned away from it, perceiving it as a symbol of traditional domesticity that they sought to overcome. On the other, others reinvested it as a means of creative expression and economic independence. On the September 25, 1969 program "Femme d'aujourd'hui", actress Gisèle Trépanier spoke of her passion for this craft, which she practiced to earn money by selling her creations to boutiques and friends, although she acknowledged that "you have to love it, because it pays very little" (Radio-Canada, 2017).
The 1980s saw knitting adapt to contemporary fashion trends. On the "Allô Boubou" program of September 27, 1984, Solange Brien presented her third book on knitting and commented on stitch garments that followed the trends of the 1984-1985 fall-winter season, demonstrating that Quebec knitting, far from being frozen in tradition, continues to evolve with the times.
The end of the twentieth century saw a certain decline in knitting, with competition from other hobbies and an abundance of affordable ready-to-wear clothing. However, the foundations had been laid for the revival that would characterize the early 21st century.
Quebec's knitting revival in the 21st century
At the turn of the 21st century, knitting underwent a veritable revival in Quebec, as part of a worldwide movement to rediscover traditional skills. This renewed interest can be explained by a number of social, cultural and technological factors that have transformed the practice and perception of knitting in contemporary Quebec society.
As Radio-Canada (2017) points out, "During the 2000s, knitting made a strong comeback. Fans, especially young women, gather to chat, have a drink and knit, all in a community spirit." This social and community dimension of knitting is a fundamental aspect of its revival. Far from the solitary image of the grandmother knitting by the fireside, contemporary knitting is often practised in groups, in cafés, libraries or community spaces, creating new social links around a shared passion.
The advent of the Internet and social networks has played a crucial role in this renaissance. Platforms like Ravelry, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube have enabled Quebec knitters to share their creations, exchange patterns and techniques, and inspire one another. These digital tools have also facilitated access to educational resources, enabling a new generation to learn to knit without necessarily benefiting from direct family transmission.
The "handmade" movement and the search for authenticity in an increasingly digitized and industrialized world have also contributed to this revival. Knitting fits perfectly into this trend, offering an ethical and sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Many Quebecers are turning to knitting as a way of reducing their ecological footprint, creating sustainable garments, often from local, natural yarns.
Quebec's yarn industry has grown in tandem with this renewed interest in knitting. Small sheep farms, artisan spinning mills and dye houses using natural dyes have sprung up across the province, offering high-quality local products that meet knitters' growing demand for ethical, sustainable materials.
Quebec designers of knitting patterns have also gained visibility on the international scene. Drawing inspiration from both Quebec heritage and contemporary trends, they create patterns that combine tradition and modernity, helping to raise the profile of Quebec creativity in the world of knitting.
Knitting has also become a means of artistic and political expression. Yarn bombing" installations color Quebec urban spaces, while collective knitting projects tackle social and environmental issues. Knitting is no longer just a domestic craft, but an artistic medium in its own right.
Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic further accentuated this phenomenon, with many people turning to knitting as a soothing and creative activity during periods of confinement. This health crisis was a reminder of the importance of traditional skills and the autonomy they provide, further strengthening knitting's appeal to a diverse public.
Distinctive Features of Quebec Knitting
Over the course of its history, Quebec knitting has developed its own unique characteristics, reflecting the province's diverse cultural heritage, its particular climate and the ingenuity of its craftspeople. Today, these particularities constitute a living heritage that distinguishes Québec knitwear internationally.
One of the most striking features of Quebec knitwear is its adaptation to the harsh climate. Quebec's long, cold winters have necessitated the development of techniques and models specifically designed to offer maximum protection against the cold. Double-layered mittens, reinforced heel and toe stockings, and lined hats are examples of this climatic adaptation. Quebec knitters have traditionally favored tight stitches and thick wools to maximize warmth, while developing structures that allow moisture to evaporate, essential during winter activities.
The influence of the First Nations on Quebec knitting is another important distinguishing feature. Although needle knitting is a technique imported from Europe, patterns, colors and certain techniques for working with yarn have been influenced by native know-how. This influence is particularly visible in the arrow sash, which, while not strictly knitwear, shares with it the use of yarn and is part of the same textile tradition. As Histoire & tricot (2009) notes, the arrow sash represents "the interbreeding of the Quebec nation with the Amerindians, the French, the British, the Irish, etc., and immigrants from other nations who have recently arrived here."
The traditional motifs of Quebec knitwear also bear witness to this cultural fusion. French, British, Irish and aboriginal influences have been adapted and transformed to create a distinctly Québécois style. Geometric patterns, stylized representations of local flora and fauna, and bright color combinations characterize many traditional designs.
The community dimension of Quebec knitting is another notable feature. Historically, knitting was often practiced in groups, at "veillées" where women would gather to knit while sharing stories and songs. This community tradition persists today in new forms, such as urban knitting circles or festivals dedicated to the textile arts. Radio-Canada (2017) highlights this phenomenon, noting that in the 21st century, "devotees, mostly young women, gather to chat, have a drink and knit, all in a community spirit."
The specific vocabulary associated with knitting in Quebec is also a distinctive feature. Many technical terms have been adapted or created in Quebecois French, creating a unique lexicon that reflects the province's linguistic history. Expressions such as "brocher" (to knit quickly), "torsade" (cabled), or "faufilage" (temporary stitch) are part of this rich vocabulary that has been handed down from generation to generation.
Finally, constant innovation while respecting tradition characterizes contemporary Quebec knitwear. Today's Québécois designers and craftsmen draw on their cultural heritage while adapting it to today's sensibilities and needs. This ability to evolve while preserving the essence of tradition ensures the longevity of Québec knitwear and its continued relevance in the modern world.
Conclusion
Knitting in Quebec, from its origins in the 17th century to its contemporary revival, bears witness to the cultural richness and resilience of Quebec society. Over the centuries, this craft has adapted to social, economic and cultural change, while preserving its essence and heritage value.
From a vital necessity for the first settlers faced with the rigors of the North American winter, knitting became a symbol of cultural identity, then a form of artistic expression and a vector of social bonding. This evolution reflects the transformation of Quebec society itself, from a subsistence economy to an industrial, then post-industrial society, where traditional practices are reinvested with new meanings.
The persistence of knitting in Quebec culture, despite technological and social upheavals, demonstrates the profound value Quebecers place on their cultural heritage and the transmission of traditional know-how. Today, knitting in Quebec is no mere survival of the past, but a living, dynamic practice that continues to evolve and reinvent itself.
The particularities of Quebec knitting - its adaptation to the climate, its diverse cultural influences, its distinctive motifs, its community dimension and its specific vocabulary - constitute a precious intangible heritage that deserves to be preserved and celebrated. At the same time, openness to innovation and international exchange ensures the constant renewal of this tradition.
As we look to the future, Quebec knitting looks set for a bright future. In an increasingly digitized and standardized world, knitting's quest for authenticity, sustainability and human connection responds to profound aspirations of our time. The hands that knit today in Quebec are not only perpetuating an ancestral gesture; they are also weaving the links between the past, present and future of a constantly evolving culture.
References
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