Knitting Show Sparks Heritage Row
Channel 4 has found itself embroiled in an unexpected controversy over its new knitting competition programme, Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter. The series, fronted by Olympic diver Tom Daley, was intended to showcase knitting in a fresh light but has instead drawn accusations of cultural appropriation from guardians of Scotland's knitting heritage.
The Heart of the Dispute
The Shetland Organisation of Knitters (SOK) has launched a scathing critique of the show's first episode, claiming it fundamentally misrepresented the world-renowned Fair Isle technique. This traditional craft dates back to the 18th century, originating on Fair Isle, a remote Scottish island with fewer than 50 inhabitants, where wives would knit colourful garments to keep their fisherman husbands warm at sea.
In a strongly-worded online post, SOK accused the programme of applying the term 'Fair Isle' too broadly to describe any colourwork knitting. The group stated this not only muddies the boundaries of a living heritage craft but also erases other global forms of colourwork that deserve their own recognition.
The organisation expressed being shocked and saddened by the depiction, highlighting clear errors in terminology and even the mispronunciation of 'the Shetlands' instead of the correct 'Shetland'.
Contestants and Production Under Fire
During the controversial episode, ten amateur knitters were given just 12 hours to produce a tank top inspired by Fair Isle patterns. SOK labelled this timeframe as unrealistic and criticised the treatment of Gordon Cree, the first contestant eliminated for failing to finish his garment.
The group claimed Cree was vilified for successfully using a legitimate technique called 'cutting his knitting', while having to work with imperfectly modified needles. Founding member Terri Leask revealed the production team had consulted with island knitters before filming, but their advice was completely ignored.
Leask further questioned the show's format, comparing it unfavourably to Bake Off and asking: If they're looking for the best knitter in Britain, why are they speed knitting? She also noted the requirement for contestants to crochet, which she described as a completely different skill.
Mixed Reactions and Channel 4's Response
The backlash has resonated with knitters nationwide, with many sharing their frustrations online. One Scottish viewer commented on the cultural appropriation, while another wondered how many other knitting genres the programme would insult.
However, not all feedback was negative. One craftswoman defended the show as an entertainment programme that she enjoyed without expecting to learn from it.
A Channel 4 spokesman responded, stating: We hold Shetland's knitting culture in the highest regard and the challenge asked the amateur knitters to reimagine a Fair Isle knit. The contestants were tasked with creating a garment with a modern twist that acknowledged and celebrated the traditions of the beautiful Fair Isle technique.
Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter continues to air on Sundays at 8pm on Channel 4, though it now does so under the shadow of a significant heritage dispute.
