Tweed: Cozy, Soulful, and a Little Rugged
Tweed isn’t just yarn - it’s a whole story. A story of warm, handcrafted pieces made with love. Of grandmother’s sweaters that smell like home. Of countryside houses where hand-knit socks and mittens are neatly stacked on shelves. Of autumn walks in a chunky cardigan with a soft, rustic texture under your fingers.
Once upon a time, tweed was rough - a true workhorse in the world of textiles. It was made for clothing that needed to be warm, withstand wind and rain, and last through long hikes across the hills. But the modern industry has given Tweed the revival it always deserved. Today, tweed isn’t just coarse wool - it’s an elegant blend of cashmere, silk, alpaca, and merino wool. It has kept its signature charm but has become softer, more pliable, and more luxurious.
And yet, tweed still has its unique personality. We’ve heard it so many times:
— I want a Weasley sweater!
— Can I get one like Hemingway’s?
Well, here it is—the rugged-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside tweed we all love.
A Bit of History: From Scotland to the Runway
The name “tweed” actually came about by accident. In the early 19th century, a Scottish merchant wrote to an English client about selling “tweel” (a term for twill, a type of weave). The client misread it as "tweed" - and the name stuck.
Tweed quickly became popular among British aristocrats, worn for hunting, fishing, and countryside walks. Soon, it moved beyond the outdoors and into fashion, where it remains a timeless classic. Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and Burberry - all have reimagined tweed at different times, making it an essential part of style.
Now, tweed isn’t just found in fabric - it’s a staple in knitting. That beautiful, speckled wool creates garments that already feel like they carry a story within them.
How to Knit with Tweed Yarn?
Tweed is all about texture, depth, and character. It’s perfect for oversized sweaters, cardigans, coats, hats, and mittens. But it comes with some quirks:
🔹 Swatching is a must!
Due to the way tweed yarn is spun, it can sometimes cause the fabric to slant, especially when knitting in the round. One project may be fine, while another suddenly starts misbehaving.
🔹 How to fix fabric that slants?
This issue can often be solved by:
Choosing the right stitch pattern (cables, seed stitch, and ribbing help stabilize the fabric),
Proper steaming and blocking after washing,
Trying different needles (sometimes switching your knitting tension or tools makes a big difference).
🔹 Which stitch patterns work best for tweed yarn?
Since tweed already has a rich visual texture, it looks best with simple yet bold patterns:
✅ Stockinette stitch (if you’re sure the yarn won’t slant)
✅ Large cables
✅ Aran patterns
✅ Ribbing (2x2 or 3x3)
✅ Garter stitch (yes, it can look surprisingly stylish in tweed!)
Tweed has always been not just about fashion, but about soul. It reminds us of sweaters made with love, of long evenings spent knitting, of pieces that are worn for years and never go out of style.
And today’s tweed? It’s softer, more luxurious, warm yet lightweight, with that signature rustic charm that makes every piece feel alive.
So knit with tweed, experiment, and enjoy the process! And remember—every fleck of tweed holds a story.
Go To Shop