A major cultural dispute has unravelled for Channel 4, as a collective of island knitters has demanded a formal apology for the portrayal of their traditional craft on the new Tom Daley-fronted series, Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter.
Island Knitters Voice Their Outrage
The controversy ignited following the first episode of the programme, which sparked a 'cultural appropriation' row concerning its depiction of world-renowned Fair Isle patterns. Shetland's Organisation for Knitters (SOK) initially claimed the show perpetuated 'negative misconceptions' about the artisan skill. They highlighted that contestants were provided with 'imperfectly modified needles' to work with, further distorting the authentic practice.
The backlash has now intensified, with a second island group, the Shetland Stitch Club, joining the protest. Its representative, Helen Barwick, penned an open letter to the producers, stating clearly that while they welcome innovation, they strongly object to misrepresentation. 'We are not adverse to fun, or innovation, or mixing Shetland traditions with traditions from further afield,' she wrote. 'But what we really object to is misrepresentation and appropriation.'
A History of Design Theft and Misrepresentation
The anger stems from the portrayal of a technique that dates back to the 18th century, where wives knitted colourful garments for their fisherman husbands. SOK argued that the programme 'misrepresented' the skill, asserting that 'many of the designs accepted as Fair Isle in the episode are more accurately described as stranded colourwork'.
This incident is not an isolated one. The organisations point to a long history of design theft and incorrect portrayal of their heritage crafts. 'For over a hundred years, Shetland knitters have been dealing with design theft, lack of attribution, and incorrect portrayal of our heritage skills,' a statement read. In response to the ongoing issues, SOK plans to launch an online fundraising campaign to educate both locals and visitors about their authentic craft.
Channel 4's Response and the Future of Fair Isle
In defence of the show, a Channel 4 spokesman stated that they hold Shetland’s knitting culture 'in the highest regard'. They clarified that the challenge in the first episode asked amateur knitters 'to reimagine a Fair Isle knit' with a modern twist that celebrated its traditions. The broadcaster described Game of Wool as an entertainment series enjoyed by knitters and non-knitters alike, hoping it would encourage more people to take up the craft.
However, for the knitters of Shetland, this response is insufficient. Helen Barwick's letter concluded with a direct request: 'I think some acknowledgement and an apology must be in order…..maybe even consider commissioning a documentary about real Fair Isle knitting. I’d watch that.' The ball is now in Channel 4's court as this cultural appropriation row continues to gain stitches.
