Social Fabric
NEWFOUNDLAND KNITTING PATTERNS
The mitten patterns are called, in general, diamond mitts. The central pattern of the snowflake may be one of the earliest patterns, taught to the Inuit in Nain at the Moravian mission in the 18th century and is likely a German pattern. Mittens were traditionally the only patterned knitted items at this time.
The patterns require some visual gymnastics and are beautiful pieces of design on their own, without including the functionality of a garment or the embellishment of colour beyond the natural hues of homespun. Modern versions are often knitted in colours.
