Knitting Sheath; 1600-1750 Knitting sheaths supported the weight of the knitting and stopped stitches slipping off the bottom of a double-ended needle. They were generally worn in the belt; on the right side; in a sloping position.They ranged from crudely whittled affairs to masterpieces of 'fine art'; and were usually individually made and decorated by their makers to give as love tokens. This 18th century; boxwood; knitting sheath is widely acknowledged as a masterpiece of carving. It was probably made in France or Italy. The sheath does not appear to have been used and it has doubtless always been cherished as a work of art rather than as a functional object. Social history; Wood; Animal; Dog; Needlecraft; Treen