Film Archive

Nineteenth Century Handframe

This nineteenth century handframe operates using technology invented by William Lee in 1589.  Lee's first frame only knitted one piece of fabric at a time, but this 'wide frame' is able to knit five pieces at once.  Wide frames were introduced in the late eighteenth century.  The transfer bar on the machine with its semi-circular guide is also a later addition to the Lee frame.

The Sock Making Process at Allen, Solly and Co Ltd.

The step-by-step process of making a sock. Filmed in the Allen, Solly and Co Ltd. factory in Nottingham. Makers of the finest hosiery for over 130 years.