Elizabeth Zimmermann

British-born knitter known for her books and instructional series on American public television[47]

What is Elizabeth Zimmermann known for?

Born as Elizabeth Lloyd-Jones on August 9, 1910, in London, England, Elizabeth Zimmermann was renowned for her contributions to the world of hand knitting. She pioneered a revolution in knitting practice through her books and American public television instructional series. Zimmermann made a significant impact by advocating for knitting in the round using flexible circular needles, which made it convenient to knit intricate patterns and produce seamless garments. She also played a crucial role in reintroducing the most efficient Continental knitting method in the United States, despite its association with Germany during World War II.

Before her career in knitting, Zimmermann attended boarding school in England and studied in art schools in Switzerland and Germany. Her mother and aunts initially taught her knitting (English Style), but she later learned the Continental Style from her Swiss governess.

After immigrating to the United States in 1937, Zimmermann relocated to Wisconsin with her husband. Here she founded Schoolhouse Press, a successful mail-order knitting business that continues to operate and is currently run by her daughter Meg Swansen.

Beyond just teaching and publishing, Zimmermann was also a skilled knitting designer. She made the first example of an Aran sweater ever seen in Vogue Knitting magazine. Moreover, not satisfied with how others altered her instructions, she started independently publishing her own instructions, initially as free newsletters to her customers, which she later transformed into more extensive works called Wool Gatherings.

Zimmermann's innovative work was not limited to writings and designs, though. Her PBS television series remains a cherished resource for knitters, still available on VHS and DVD. The series is remembered for its moments of humor, such as the episode in which an officer pulled Zimmermann and her husband over for "knitting without a license."

Perhaps one of Zimmermann's most enduring legacies is the "EPS" (Elizabeth's Percentage System). This system, based on gauge and desired body circumference, is a mathematical formula that helps determine how many stitches to cast on for a sweater. It is still widely used by designers today, demonstrating Zimmermann's lasting influence on the world of knitting.

To learn more about Elizabeth Zimmermann's life and knitting innovations, you can explore her works such as Knitting Without Tears and The Opinionated Knitter.