'Makkin' belt
'Makkin' belt
Name/Title
'Makkin' beltEntry/Object ID
2025.1.632Description
Leather pouch stuffed with horsehair, with multiple evenly spaced holes, which hold different size needles. A leather strap with a metal buckle, that fastens round the waist.Context
A 'makkin' (knitting) belt is a familiar sight to Shetland knitters. Traditionally it was used to speed up the process of knitting; which historically was very important to knitters who were producing items to sell. The faster they could knit the more they could make. It also eases tension in the shoulders and arms allowing knitting to carry on for many hours. In the Shetlands a 'makkin' belt also allowed the knitter to complete other tasks whilst standing, walking or even minding the sheep.Category
Clothing, Domestic, Tools