William Lee and the Invention That Changed Knitting

In 1589, a 26-year-old Englishman named William Lee invented the first knitting machine. According to legend, the idea came from his sweetheart, who spent so much time knitting that she had little attention left for him.

Queen Elizabeth I refused to grant him a patent. One reason was the concern that machines would put hand knitters out of work. Lee improved his invention, tried again and eventually moved to France to establish production. He died there, never seeing how profoundly his invention would change the textile industry.

437 years later, modern knitting machines are operating at Global Textile. Although the technology has evolved enormously, the fundamental knitting principle pioneered by William Lee remains relevant today.

This story is for young people in their twenties who are choosing careers, learning new technologies and bringing their first ideas to life. Those ideas may not always be welcomed immediately. Sometimes you have to rethink your approach, try again and convince people with more experience.

At 26, William Lee couldn't convince a queen. Today, knitting machines based on the principles he pioneered are used around the world.

The next idea to transform our industry could come from one of you.