Knitted and crocheted neckties

[skyvue]

What's the skinny on these? When were they most popular? I know they were around in the Fifties, but were they popular before that, too?

I've purchased a book of crochet patterns from 1952 that includes a number of very cool designs, and I'm wondering: Were they always narrow and/or squared at the end?

I don't know how to crochet but I've resolved to teach myself, and I wonder if maybe I won't want to go a bit wider with some of these patterns, when I finally get good enough to tackle them, in order to achieve the appropriate look of an earlier period.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

They've been around since the early 20th century, and enjoyed their greatest popularity off and on in the 'teens, '20s, '40s and '50s. There used to be about a dozen different knit weaves available: today, there is only one.


In the 'teens, they were often rounded at the end.


.

 

[Howard Hughes]

TIE SHAPE/STYLE

Whatto All,
I recently aquired a British knitting pattern book which contains a pattern for knitted kneckties. They are standard pointed end and approx4 inches wide, atpering to the knot.
The book is probably WWII period judging by the grade of paper used and the other patterns included.
I have seen 1920's knitted ties on the internet for sale elsewhere.
DoesAayone else have anymore information ?

Toodleoo
HH

 

[carouselvic]

This rayon tie was my dad's. I know he was wearing it in the 50's, but it could be older. In the 90's knit ties made a minor come back. I have one in pink and one in black, both cotton.

 

[Feraud]

I too have a periodical with vintage crochet tie patterns.
Not sure of the age but I can check and possibly post scans.

 

[Guttersnipe]

I've noticed knitted ties show up in 40's and 50's films an awful lot. I think they complement tweeds and similar "rougher" fabrics really well.

 

[Tomasso]

There used to be about a dozen different knit weaves available: today, there is only one.
.

I've seen several different weaves available today. Here are a couple:

 

[Widebrim]

I've noticed knitted ties show up in 40's and 50's films an awful lot. I think they complement tweeds and similar "rougher" fabrics really well.

True. Knitted ties were popular even up to the early-60s, when many were still being produced by the square-bottomed leader, Rooster.

 

[Highlander]

My Dad had some from the 50's and I have some from the late 80's or early 90's.

I really never liked the way they tied. Mediocre at best. Not near as classy as a silk tie.

Anyway...My thoughts.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

There used to be about a dozen different knit weaves available...

Here are some examples from around 1920. EACH ONE has a different weave:

.

 

[Mr. Rover]

I have a black silk weave bowtie that I plan on wearing with a white dinner jacket to a wedding in two weeks. I think it makes the look more casual for a summer wedding without sacrificing form or color scheme.

 

[RP McMurphy]

These seem to be making a resurgance today. JCrew in particular seems to be carrying alot of them...

Personally, I think they look a bit TOO casual, though I suppose they could be pulled off if one wears it with the right attitude. Maybe loosen it up a bit around the neck, smaller knot, leave the uppermost neck-button undone (horrible crime?). Wear it like a skinny tie... and you just got off of work. Might work well with silk knots and french cuffs methinks...

 

[Tomasso]

Personally, I think they look a bit TOO casual

Well......

 

[Edward]

I've noticed knitted ties show up in 40's and 50's films an awful lot. I think they complement tweeds and similar "rougher" fabrics really well.

I agree, absolutely. I've picked up a handful of them on eBay recently (modern repros, rather than originals, but they have that classic look), the intention being to wear them into the cooler months as part of a more casual ensemble - twee jackets, tattersal shirts, wool trousers, work boots. Think "country casual", if you will.

I have a black silk weave bowtie that I plan on wearing with a white dinner jacket to a wedding in two weeks. I think it makes the look more casual for a summer wedding without sacrificing form or color scheme.

That sounds sharp - pics, please!! Never seen a woven bow before, but I absolutely can imagine it working the way you describe.

These seem to be making a resurgance today. JCrew in particular seems to be carrying alot of them...

Yes, I see them a lot on eBay now (reproductions, I mean - always a sign that something is coming back to a fair degree if someone consiers it worth reproducing)... and, of course, they've been favoured by both Mod and Ted sets at times in the past few years, over here.

Personally, I think they look a bit TOO casual...

By contemporary standars, if paired with a sharp fifties or early sixties cut suit and all other suitable accoutrements, I think they can look fine. My preference would be to wear them in a more casual manner, as mentioned above - effectively an alternative to a cravat.

Now there's a question: does anyone know how these were viewed back in the day? Right up to and including the fifties, it seems to me, neckties in general were not the 'reserved for formalwear' item they are viewed as by our contemporary mainstream society. Did folks look at different types of tie differently - were knit ties for casual wear, silk for business, or was the average man's wardrobe so un-casualised (again, by early twenty-first century standards) that no such distinction was an issue?

 

[Tomasso]

how these were viewed back in the day? were knit ties for casual wear,

My golden era father reserved them for wear with sportcoats but my uncle (a little younger and a lot hipper) would wear them with suits.

 

[RP McMurphy]

Looks like he's wearing french cuffs as well... very dapper.