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.
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.