Noble Needlecraft and Courageous Clothing: The value of needlecraft practices and clothing provision to women in Britain during the Second World War, circa 1939-1945

Dobson, Esther ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5740-5610 (2025) Noble Needlecraft and Courageous Clothing: The value of needlecraft practices and clothing provision to women in Britain during the Second World War, circa 1939-1945. Masters thesis, The Open University.

Abstract

Existing research into the role of women in Britain during the Second World War has recognised it as a turning point in the societal perceptions of what defines femininity. With the conscription of the country’s men into the military, women were tasked with stepping into vacant masculine roles, to keep the country functioning. Historically, a woman’s role was largely home-based, her duties centred around maintenance activities within her household, including needlecraft practices. Through the analysis of artefacts and narrative, quantitative, qualitative data, this dissertation seeks to recognise the value of needlecraft practices outside of the primary domestic purpose. By looking at this through the lens of employment, the class system, and propaganda, this research has revealed the significance that needlecraft had to women, their role in society, and the contributions to the war effort, both in Britain and undercover behind enemy lines. Needlecraft practices and clothing provision during this period, have been evidenced to boost morale, improve employment opportunities and the treatment of women within the workforce, improve access to quality clothing for those in lower socio-economic classes, and act as a signifier of patriotism and financial freedom. However, many of these benefits were shown to be limited to the confines of conflict and did not transfer into peacetime. Whilst existing scholarship provides insight into some areas discussed within this research, none have done so through the specific lens of how needlecraft benefitted women throughout the Second World War. Therefore, this study adds a different perspective to not only life for women in Britain during the war, but the relevance and importance of their maintenance activities beyond their immediate purpose.

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