Shetland knitters have accused Channel 4's new show 'Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter', hosted by Tom Daley, of cultural appropriation and factual inaccuracies regarding the historic Fair Isle technique. The programme, which aired on Sunday primetime, has sparked outrage among practitioners who say it misrepresents their craft.
The Shetland Organisation for Knitters (SOK) highlighted several errors in a social media post, including the use of chunky yarn and 10mm needles instead of the traditional 2.5 or 3mm width, and the incorrect use of the term 'peerie patterns'. They also criticised the challenge to knit a Fair Isle tank top in 12 hours as 'just unrealistic'.
Elizabeth Johnston, a trustee of SOK, said the anger stems from decades of misuse of the term Fair Isle. 'The term is used for any kind of stranded knitting, but Fair Isle is a distinct set of patterns and unique knitting skills passed down through generations,' she said. Helen Barwick, who runs Shetland Stitch Club, added that knitting is a feminist issue, as Fair Isle was traditionally a way for Shetland women to earn a decent income, now threatened by fast fashion.
In an open letter to Channel 4, Barwick emphasised that the Fair Isle tradition is rooted in Shetland wool from native sheep, whose natural crimp creates a dense, strong fabric. She urged the broadcaster to correct the errors and respect the heritage.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman defended the show, saying it is 'an entertainment series' intended to be enjoyed by knitters and non-knitters alike. She added that the contestants were tasked with creating a 'modern twist on the Fair Isle tradition' and that the programme hopes to encourage more people to take up knitting.
