Are you on the lookout for hand-knitted garments that exude timelessness and sophistication? It’s time to set your sights on Cornwall. Famed for its picturesque landscapes and rich heritage, Cornwall is equally renowned for its artisanal knitwear. Crafted by skilled hands using traditional knitting techniques, the knitwear from this part of Britain has a charm of its own. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to buy this distinctive, cosy and high-quality knitwear in Cornwall.
Polperro’s Wool Haven
Located in the heart of Polperro, a quaint fishing village, is a shop that’s a paradise for wool and knitwear enthusiasts. Here you’ll find a range of hand-knitted hats, scarves, sweaters, gloves and other knitwear marvels that are combined with traditional Cornish designs.
What sets their products apart is their use of wool, specifically Cornish wool and merino. Cornish wool, sourced from sheep reared in the county, is incredibly warm and durable, making it perfect for cosy sweaters and hats. The merino wool, renowned for its softness and high warmth-to-weight ratio, is used for lighter, more delicate items.
Their standout product is the ‘Gansey’, a traditional British fisherman’s jumper knitted using five-ply worsted wool. The intricate patterns knitted into these garments tell stories of the sea and the fisherman’s life – a feature that makes each Gansey unique.
Cornwall’s Knitting Traditions
Cornwall’s knitting traditions span centuries, and, thankfully, those traditions are still alive today. The best adult knitwear available in this region is a marriage of these age-old knitting techniques and contemporary designs.
A visit to the local shop will reveal a treasure trove of patterns, each with its own story. From the ‘Gansey’ patterns that symbolise hope and safe return from the sea, to delicate lace patterns inspired by the flora and fauna of Cornwall, each piece has a unique narrative.
One of the key aspects of Cornwall’s knitting traditions is the hand-knitting process. Most of the knitwear you’ll find here is hand-knitted by local artisans, making each piece unique and filled with character.
The Best Yarns and Their Prices
In Cornwall, wool is king. The quality of wool used in knitting contributes significantly to the quality of the final product. The local shops in Cornwall offer a vast selection of yarns, including locally-sourced Cornish wool and imported merino wool.
Cornish wool is known for its durability and warmth. It’s the perfect material for those heavier pieces that will keep you warm in the harshest of winters. On the other hand, merino wool is incredibly soft and lightweight, making it ideal for more refined and delicate pieces.
Prices for these exquisite pieces of knitwear reflect the high-quality materials used and the skill involved in their creation. While they might seem expensive at first glance, considering the time, effort, and expertise that goes into each piece, you’ll realise that they offer excellent value for money.
Why Choose British Knitwear?
Choosing British knitwear, specifically from Cornwall, means choosing quality, tradition and sustainability. The artisans here adhere to strict standards of quality, ensuring that every piece of knitwear is not only beautiful but also durable and fit for purpose.
The tradition of knitting in Cornwall goes back years, and each piece of knitwear you buy from here continues that tradition. The patterns, designs, and techniques used are steeped in history and carry the stories of the region and its people.
Lastly, by choosing British knitwear, you’re supporting sustainable practices. The wool used is sourced locally, reducing the carbon footprint. Moreover, hand-knitting is a low-impact, environmentally-friendly process.
The Cornish Knitwear Experience
Shopping for knitwear in Cornwall isn’t just about the purchase – it’s about the entire experience. Walking into a shop, you’re greeted by stacks of colourful yarns, the soft hum of knitting needles, and the warm smiles of the artisans themselves.
You can watch the artisans at work, their hands deftly manoeuvring the needles as they knit intricate patterns into sweaters, hats, and scarves. You can even learn about the different types of wool, the various knitting techniques used, and the stories behind the patterns.
In essence, when you shop for knitwear in Cornwall, you’re not just buying a garment – you’re buying a piece of Cornwall’s heritage.
Exceptional Artisanal Knitwear in Cornwall: What to Expect
Beyond rolling landscapes and picturesque seaside towns, Cornwall is a treasure trove for anyone seeking exceptional artisanal knitwear. Merino wool and British wool are the key components in the creation of high-quality, hand-knitted items. These materials, combined with the unrivalled skill of local artisans, result in a broad range of unique knitwear that carries forward Cornwall’s knitting traditions.
In Cornwall, the colour navy blue is a dominant hue, reflecting the region’s maritime history. You’ll find it beautifully incorporated in Cornish Ganseys, navy-blue fisherman’s jumpers intricately stitched with unique patterns. These designs, born years ago, symbolise various aspects of a mariner’s life, making each sweater a wearable story.
Another iconic knitwear piece you’ll find is the ‘knit frock’, a traditional dress created using wool and intricate stitch patterns. Mary Wright, a renowned artisan, has been known to breathe life into these garments, her deft fingers conjuring up designs that echo the past while mirroring contemporary trends.
Don’t be surprised to find artisans knitting in local parks, their talent on full display. Take a leisurely stroll in a car park in Devon Cornwall, and you might stumble upon a group of these talented individuals, their hands rhythmically dancing over their projects, creating magic with wool and needles.
The woollen mills of Cornwall are another significant part of the knitting landscape. Here, British and merino wool are spun into high-quality yarns, the raw material for the exquisite pieces available for purchase. These mills, in operation for generations, uphold the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
While the regular price of these items might appear high, the exceptional quality and craftsmanship justify the investment. Sometimes, you may chance upon a price sale, where exquisite pieces are available at a sale price. However, remember that each piece you buy helps support local artisans and preserves Cornwall’s rich knitting heritage.
Wrapping Up: The Appeal of Cornish Artisanal Knitwear
In conclusion, Cornwall is not just a county of breathtaking landscapes and rich history. It is a hub of artisanal knitwear that marries tradition with modernity. From the cosy Cornish Guernseys crafted from British wool to the delicate pieces made from soft, lightweight merino wool, each piece has a story to tell.
The appeal of Cornish knitwear lies not just in the high-quality materials or the meticulous hand-knitted craftsmanship. It is the opportunity to own a piece of Cornwall’s heritage. Every stitch pattern carries echoes of the past and whispers of the county’s cultural legacy.
So, the next time you’re in Cornwall, skip content browsing through the regular touristy keepsakes. Instead, head to a local wool shop or woollen mill. There, amidst the soft hum of knitting needles and the warm smiles of local artisans, you’ll discover the real Cornwall – its heritage, its traditions, its heart.
Choosing Cornish knitwear isn’t just a purchase. It’s an experience, a connection to the past, a nod to sustainable practices, and a commitment to preserving a centuries-old tradition. And when you finally wear your chosen garment, you’ll feel the warmth of Cornwall wrapped around you, whispering stories of the sea, the countryside, and the people who call this place home.
