Knitting for Victory

Wartime often calls citizens to aid their government and their soldiers; from reduced food rations to factory work, everyone is called to serve in some way.

During World War I and World War II, women were called to serve in a multitude of ways, including being called upon for their knitting skills. "Knitting for victory" has become an iconic slogan used during both World Wars. Women, girls, and even schoolboys would knit sweaters, socks, cardigans, hats, bottle warmers, and vests for soldiers abroad.

The Red Cross was the driving force behind knitting for victory; they made posters and catchy slogans that would encourage others to continue knitting. The total number of knitted goods donated to the Red Cross by the end of World War I was 23,328,831 items.

The Red Cross would also advertise sock patterns, sweater patterns, and cardigan patterns so that anyone could make them.

Once World War II broke out, the Red Cross brought back its interest in knitting. Advertising posters for knitting could be found again; these encouraged not just women to knit but men as well. One catchy slogan was “Why Shouldn’t Men Knit?”

To allow more interest in knitting, advertisements were made to encourage making your own clothes. Women started making sweaters and cardigans for their own jobs as well, usually for factory work. Pamphlets, books, and magazines were made on knitting, one pamphlet being called, “Knitting for the American Fighting Forces.”

These knitting patterns, pamphlets, and skills allowed for higher support and participation within the war effort. The mobilization of the country during these perilous times is telling of how the country banded together in the face of tyranny.

Come look at our knitting for victory display and all the ways American soldiers were supported by their fellow countrymen.