Welcome to the Journal of Scottish Yarns: celebrating the history, tradition and heritage of Scotland’s textiles industry, and the creativity and skill of our designers and makers.
Published twice a year, our beautifully produced 200 page journal explores the threads that bind us, with in-depth stories of the people, the landscapes and the animals that make Scottish textiles so unique.
Each issue also contains specially commissioned knitting and crochet patterns from Scotland’s most exciting and experienced designers and makers, using the finest yarns from across the country.
Join us on our journey.
Welcome to the Journal of Scottish Yarns
Welcome to the Journal of Scottish Yarns: celebrating the history, tradition and heritage of Scotland’s textiles industry, and the creativity and skill of our designers and makers.
Published twice a year, our beautifully produced 200 page journal explores the threads that bind us, with in-depth stories of the people, the landscapes and the livestock that make Scottish textiles so unique.
Each issue also contains ten specially commissioned knitting and crochet patterns from Scotland’s most exciting and experienced designers and makers, using the finest yarns from across the country.
Join us on our journey.
The Journal
Issue 10 will be published at the end of November 2026.
It includes the patterns for Helen Robertson’s Haaf Kep and the Linton Jumper by Carol Richardson featuring the Scottish Blackface sheep graphic.
Issue 10 also contains seven in depth articles about Scottish textiles (including the stories of Foula Wool and Helen Robertson’s design journey) and ten knitting and crochet patterns all using Scottish yarns.
Designs:
TOAST GILET - Liza Lewis, made using Jamiesons of Shetland Heather Aran
MARGARET KLEIN JUMPER – Samira Hill, Eildon Hills Designs knitted with Burnfoot Wool DK
CHEVIOT COWL – Samira Hill, Eildon Hills Designs crocheted with The Wool Library's Cheviot Chain yarn
LINTON JUMPER - Carol Richardson knitted with Jamiesons of Shetland Spindrift
TWEED JUMPER - Isabelle Ryan Smith, All Tangled Up Knits knitted with Annfield Farm's Young Farmer Aran
SEILEBOST JUMPER - Maddie Harvey, Maddie Harvey Designs knitted with The Birlinn Yarn Company's 4ply
LUSKENTYRE SOCKS - Fay Dashper Hughes, Fay DH Designs crocheted with Ripples Crafts Kylesku 4ply
BEELINE HAT & MITTS - Sue Holt, Woollen Wave knitted with The Birlinn Yarn Company's 4ply
CLOSE JUMPER - Cassie Ward, the Missing Yarn crocheted with Ginger's Hand Dyed Masham Mayhem DK
HAAF KEP - Helen Robertson, Helen Robertson Jewellery and Knitting, knitted with Foula Wool
Articles:
Foula Wool: Shetland Sheep at the Edge of the World
The remote island of Foula is home to unique Shetland sheep which produce the finest yarn, now from it’s own island mill.
Fair Helen: Where Shetland Tradition Sparks New Ideas
Helen Robertson, Patron of Shetland Wool Week 2026, transforms Shetland knitting into art form, celebrating heritage, innovation, resilience and shared creativity.
The Making of Orry Yarn
A couple’s shared artistic heritage, Danish craft traditions and Eaglesham’s textile history inspire the Orry Mill, a community-rooted modern knitting business.
Too Woolly? Rethinking the Value of British Wool
The Wool Library gives British wool its bounce back—matching breeds with bold ideas, clever makers and ultimately fairer value, sharing what they learn along the way.
Where Nature and History are Intertwined
At Heatherlea Croft, Highland heritage, thriving peatlands and lucky black sheep unite in traceable wool and sustainable farming.
Coastal Knitwear: Necessity and Creativity
Deeply connected to the sea and Scotland’s coastline, designer Rebecca Clow reflects on her first book of knitting patterns.
Our Rare Breed Sheep Saga
Anne and John Lane were attracted to the friendly and seriously rare North Ronaldsay sheep in the early 1990s and have been looking after a flock ever since.
Welcome to issue 9 Spring / Summer 2026!
This issue is inspired by the designer and colourist Bernat Klein with an article written by Alison Harley, Chair of the Bernat Klein Foundation.
Knitting and crochet designs are inspired by Klein combining textures and colours in suprising ways.
And of course lots more about Scottish sheep breeds, from the Bronze Age to the Vikings, the history of the wool industry in Scotland, from the Borders Abbeys to the British Wool Marketing Board, and contemporary projects showcasing Scottish crafts and artisans.
A bumper issue of the Journal of Scottish Yarns including 9 features on Scottish textiles and colourful cosy designs by Sylvia Watt-Cherry, Samira Hill, Liza Lewis, Fay Dashper-Hughes and more.
The enduring story of Scottish wool and its associated crafts is a rich tapestry, woven from the landscapes and the histories and communities that have shaped them. In issue 8 you can read about Castlemilk Moorit and Scottish Blackface sheep and modern businesses working with their wool.
Issue 8 also includes fascinating stories of diversity and dynamism: from indigo dyeing at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, to enterprising Victorians, and contemporary art reflecting on the past to offer new futures: the story of Scottish wool is one of innovation, resilience and enduring beauty.
More details here.
Explore our knitting and crochet patterns from exciting designers.
Meet our designers
Di Gilpin
Founder and creative director of hand-knit design studio Di Gilpin Ltd, Di creates couture-crafted, slow fashion pieces, reflecting the knowledge and tradition of Scottish hand-knitting in a contemporary way.
Gudrun Johnston
Also known for The Shetland Trader, Gudrun is a Shetland-born knitwear designer currently based in Massachusetts, recognised for accessible modern-day patterns inspired by her Shetland heritage and family history.
Katt Weaver
Katt is inspired by nature and fantasy. She connects with knitters around the world through her YouTube channel, Heather and Hops knitting journal. In addition to knitting, she loves natural fibres, a variety of crafts, cats, potatoes and music.
Curl up with an Autumn/Winter issue of the Journal. Discover great articles and cosy knitwear.
Explore the Journal…
Issue 7 - Spring / Summer 2025
For anyone passionate about Scottish fibre arts, you’ll find fascinating stories about weavers, dyers, ancient tartans, and sheep with ancient (Soay) and modern (Balmerino) roots. There are tales of creative resilience, and insights into super soft Scottish wool. Plus inspiring patterns each with its own unique twist inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and traditions.
Issue 6 - Autumn / Winter 2024
Also known as the goat issue, you’ll discover what makes Scottish cashmere so special, meet innovative makers reimagining kilts, and read stories about historic mills and passionate goat farmers. Plus, patterns for both knitters and crocheters include designs from Gudrun Johnston and Di Gilpin.
Issue 5 - Spring / Summer 2024
You’ll find unique patterns for shawls, tops, and hats by diverse designers and even for making your own rug, plus articles on everything from endangered Shetland lace to traditional Fair Isle knitting. There are also features on creative maths in craft, Uist Wool and Dovecot Studios’ tapestry woven to commemorate the Edinburgh Seven.
Issue 4 - Autumn / Winter 2023
Packed with inspiration, this issue highlights new tartan mill Prickly Thistle and Glasglow-based micro-weavers Vevar, plus kiltmaking and the fascinating history of Sanquhar knitting. Patterns for both knitters and crocheters, include jumpers, beanies, and socks.
Issue 3 - Spring / Summer 2023
Covering Scotland’s linen heritage and featuring inspiring stories of makers, artists, and designers such as Meg Rodger of the Birlinn Yarn Company and weaver of weather Ange Sewell, there’s also a host of fresh knitting, crochet, and weaving projects.
Issue 2 - Autumn / Winter 2022
Issue 2 shines a spotlight on designer Di Gilpin, features stories from local yarn makers, and looks at how traditions like Tartan connect with art from around the world. Project designers include Maddie Harvey, Lucy Hague and Sylvia Watts-Cherry.
Issue 1 - Spring / Summer 2022
In the inaugural issue, you’ll find tales about Scotland’s ancient sheep breeds, how Iona Wool came to be, and the birth of the Borders Mill. There are fascinating bits on historic embroidery and creative tapestry. Plus, for makers: knitting patterns including cowls and shawls, crochet tops and mitts, and a beginner-friendly crewelwork sampler.