Tweed

There is nothing quite like a tweed yarn! It combines a rustic texture with a soft feel, and its subtle flecks of color can elevate a knitted fabric into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. While many yarns may claim to have a "tweedy effect," authentic tweed yarns are crafted with fibers dyed prior to spinning. These fibers are then spun with multiple plies, incorporating small flecks of colors throughout the spinning process.

Tweed yarns are closely associated with tweed fabrics, as most tweed fibers are woven from yarns made in a similar way. The origins of Tweed are deeply rooted in Scotland and the Outer Hebrides, where Harris Tweed continues to be crafted today. Additionally, Ireland boasts a rich heritage with tweeds, especially Donegal Tweed.

But what's the reason behind the name Tweed? While the River Tweed flows through Scotland and offers a fitting explanation, the Outer Hebrides are islands where there seems to be no direct link between the river and tweed fabric, aside from the mere coincidence of sharing the same name.

What is the origin of the name "tweed"? A handwriting error could be the culprit. In Scotland, the word for fabric is "tweel." In 1831, a London merchant named James Locke received a letter from Watson & Sons at Dangerfield Mills in "Scotland discussing "tweels." Misreading the handwriting, Locke mistakenly thought it was a trade name derived from the River Tweed. He subsequently promoted the fabric as Tweeds, and the name has remained ever since.

We can always rely on Rowan Yarns for exceptional tweeds, as they are proudly British! One of our best-selling yarns, Felted Tweed, is a favorite for good reason. This soft blend of alpaca and wool is ideal for a variety of projects, ranging from straightforward knits to intricate cables, lace, and colorwork! With more than 70 colors available, including selections thoughtfully curated by Kaffe Fassett and stunning gradient shades of Felted Tweed Colour, there's something for everyone.

Rowan's Tweed Haze and Fine Tweed Haze take tweeds to a new level with a stunning soft halo effect, thanks to the blend of South African mohair and alpaca in a chainette construction.

Do we have you longing to start a tweed project? We have plenty of inspiring project ideas to ignite your creativity!