Knit Anytime Day

What Is Knit Anytime Day?

December 10th is "Knit Anytime Day" in Japan. It was established by the town of Yamanobe in Yamagata Prefecture, the birthplace of summer knitwear. The date works two ways: early winter is when demand for knitwear rises, and "1210" can be read as "itsu(1) demo nitto(210)," meaning "knit anytime." The Japan Anniversary Association certified it in 2017.

An Anniversary Created by a Knitting Town

Yamanobe is known as the town where summer knitwear -- knits light enough to wear in warm weather -- was born.

• Established by: the town of Yamanobe, Yamagata Prefecture
• Origin of the date: the pun "1210" as "itsu demo nitto," plus early winter demand
• Certification: registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 2017
• Purpose: to promote Yamanobe knitwear and to support Japan's knitting industry by making knits a year-round item

The Wish to Stop Calling It "Winter Clothing"

In the later Showa era, knit production in Yamanobe peaked and townspeople worked in the industry directly or indirectly, bringing prosperity. Today most knitwear is imported and conditions are difficult. The anniversary aims to re-communicate the quality and usefulness of increasingly rare domestically made knitwear and turn that into energy for the town. Around this date, the town hall lobby has hosted "Knit Anytime Selection," displaying new work from local makers.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Pull your knitwear out of the closet and check for pilling and wear
• Read the care labels and confirm how they should be washed
• Consider a knitted accessory as a gift
• Check where the knits you own were made

The Season They Get the Most Use

December is when knitwear sees the most wear all year. The 10th might be the day to dig out the piece you had packed away.