If you had visited Sedbergh, Garsdale, or Dent 300 years ago, you would have witnessed a truly unique sight—people knitting everywhere. From their doorsteps to the fields, and even by candlelight in their cottages after dark, the Terrible Knitters of Dent were renowned for their speed, skill, and relentless dedication to their craft.
But why were they called “terrible”? The term wasn’t meant as an insult. In old dialect, it meant "terribly good", and these knitters lived up to the name.
The Story Behind the Terrible Knitters of Dent
The Terrible Knitters of Dent gained national recognition when Robert Southey published a story about them in 1834. He recounted the tale of Betty and Sally Yewdale, two young girls sent to Dent in the 1760s to learn knitting. Forced to knit at breakneck speed from dawn till dark, they endured harsh discipline and unbearable conditions. Desperate for freedom, they ran away on a snowy night, walking miles back to their home in Langdale via Kendal.
Knitting in Dent – A Way of Life
Knitting in Dent was more than a pastime; it was a way of life. The village became a hub for high-quality knitted goods, which were traded in nearby towns. The knitters of Dent and Sedbergh worked with different types of wool, including:
Bump – a thick, greasy yarn for durable knitwear
Fine wool – for delicate, patterned items like gloves
Their output included:✅ Hats & caps✅ Mittens & socks✅ Waistcoats & jackets (known as frocks)
During the Napoleonic Wars, demand for knitted goods soared, and Dent’s knitters became even more productive, supplying items for the British army.
How Did They Knit So Fast?
The secret to their incredible speed lay in their tools:
🔹 Knitting Sticks (Sheaths) – These were inserted into a belt or waistband to support the knitting needles, allowing for faster and more efficient knitting, even while walking. The traditional shape resembled a goose wing, commonly used across the Yorkshire Dales and Westmorland.
🔹 Knitting Pads (Belts) – These were worn on the right-hand side and held one end of a double-pointed needle, reducing strain and allowing for continuous, rapid movement.
With these tools, the Terrible Knitters of Dent could produce a full stocking in just six hours!
The Knitting Schools of Dent
At the height of the knitting trade, knitting schools were established in Dent to teach children. Unlike the larger towns of York, where knitting schools were more structured, Dent’s version was relentless. Children were expected to knit constantly, and if they didn’t meet their quota, they risked going hungry.
The head of the household would wind large balls of wool into three or four-strand balls, with multiple children working from the same ball. If one child fell behind, the whole system collapsed, leading to punishments.
Betty Yewdale, despite her eventual escape, became so skilled that she could knit an entire stocking in record time—though she never forgot the hardship of her training.
Dent’s Knitting Heritage Today
The Terrible Knitters of Dent may no longer be knitting on every doorstep, but their legacy lives on. You can explore their history at:
🧶 The Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes, which often holds knitting talks and workshops (next event: May 17th).
🧶 Dent Village Museum & Heritage Centre, where you can learn more about the famous knitters and their impact on the local economy.
Dent remains a charming village, rich in history, folklore, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re fascinated by traditional textiles, rural industries, or just love a good story, the Terrible Knitters of Dent are a testament to the skill, resilience, and spirit of the Yorkshire Dales.
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