Shetland knitters have accused Channel 4's new knitting show, Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter, of cultural appropriation and factual inaccuracies regarding the historic Fair Isle technique. The programme, hosted by former Olympian Tom Daley, has drawn criticism for using chunky yarn and 10mm needles instead of traditional 2.5 or 3mm widths, and for referring to smaller designs as 'peerie patterns', a term not used by Shetlanders.
The Shetland Organisation for Knitters (SOK) highlighted these errors in a social media post, also criticising the unrealistic challenge of knitting a Fair Isle tank top in 12 hours. Elizabeth Johnston, a SOK trustee, said the anger stems from decades of misuse of the term 'Fair Isle', which refers to a distinct set of patterns and techniques passed down through generations.
Helen Barwick, who runs Shetland Stitch Club, said knitting is a feminist issue, noting that Fair Isle was traditionally a way for Shetland women to earn a decent income, but has been undermined by fast fashion. She called for a correction from Channel 4, emphasising that the tradition uses Shetland wool from native sheep.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman defended the show as an entertainment series, stating that contestants were tasked with creating a modern twist on Fair Isle that acknowledged and celebrated the techniques. She added that the show hopes to encourage viewers to take up knitting.
