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 knitting sheath is made from sycamore. Its shallow, chip carved decoration is typical of the type found on love tokens and household objects. It was probably made between 1650 and 1750 in Weardale, in the north of England.