Becky, would you like to introduce yourself briefly – who are you, where do you live, and what first got you into knitting?
I’m Becky, and I currently live in Central Scotland with my husband and daughter. Growing up in Scotland, I was introduced to hand knitting at an early age by my grandmother and great aunties, all of whom were very skilled knitters. Knitting has been part of my life ever since and naturally led me to study Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles at Nottingham Trent University.
I’ve worked across many areas of the knitwear industry, including high-end fashion, small design consultancies, the high street, and traditional knitwear. My experience includes roles with Hugo Boss, Eribe Knitwear, Sophie Steller Knitwear Studio, SPINEXPO, Debenhams, The Fibre Co., and now with Rosy Green Wool. These varied roles have given me a broad range of skills and a deep understanding of the industry.
Do you remember the very first thing you ever knitted yourself? What was it – and is there a little story behind it?
I do! My Great Aunt taught me to knit when I was very young, and she used a cardboard tube to show me, in large scale, how the yarn interlaced. My very first knitted creation was a little pink apron for my Sylvanian Families bear, who unfortunately had no clothes. It was full of holes and completely lopsided, but my bear at least had something to keep her warm! Later, in primary school, I also had hand-knitting lessons where the whole class knitted teddy bears, which was so much fun and really reinforced my love of the craft.
What does knitting mean to you today: craft, self-expression, relaxation – or all of the above?
Knitting is my true passion, and it continues to mean all of those things. At its core, it’s a craft with a deep sense of tradition and skill, and I have a strong respect for that heritage. At the same time, it’s a powerful form of self-expression—where design, structure, and yarn all come together. Even after many years in the industry, knitting still provides moments of calm and focus, which I find incredibly grounding. It’s a practice that challenges me creatively while also offering balance, and I’m always striving to combine the traditional aspects of the craft with modern innovation.
How did you come to work at Rosy Green Wool, and when was that?
I came to Rosy Green Wool through my role at The Fibre Co. In 2019, the founder, Daphne, mentioned that she’d like to introduce me to Patrick and Rosy, as they were looking for a Design Manager to help set up an in-house collection. It felt like a natural fit, both in terms of my background and my values, and it was an exciting opportunity to help shape something from the ground up.
It was wonderful to work closely with Rosy from the very beginning, shaping the collections exactly as she envisioned them for the brand. Now, continuing that work, I hope to keep developing collections that reflect both the brand’s ethos and my own design voice, while still honouring the qualities and sustainability of the beautiful yarns we use.
For a long time, you guided external designers in developing our designs. What does it mean to you personally to now design all our collections in-house?
For me, designing all the collections in-house feels like a very natural and meaningful progression. Having spent a long time guiding and supporting external designers, we developed a deep understanding of the brand’s values, materials, and aesthetic. Moving the entire design process in-house allows me to bring that vision together more cohesively and intentionally.
On a personal level, it’s incredibly rewarding to be involved in every stage of development—from the first concept through to the finished garment. It creates a stronger connection between design, yarn choice, and construction, and allows for more thoughtful, consistent collections. It also means we can be more agile, experimental, and true to what we want to express as a brand, which I find both creatively fulfilling and exciting.
What does a typical workday look like for you – and how do you experience the creative exchange and collaboration within the team?
A typical workday usually begins with emails and general admin, making sure everything is on track. When I’m working on a new collection, my days can vary quite a lot depending on the stage each design is at. Some days are focused on design development—sketching ideas, knitting swatches, plotting colourwork graphs, or gathering research and inspiration. At other times, once a design is more developed, I’ll be writing and grading the knitting patterns.
I usually have several designs running at the same time, all carefully planned so that different stages happen in parallel. While one design is in the sample knitting phase, another might be going through technical editing, which then frees up time to begin developing the next design. This structured approach helps keep the workflow efficient and creative at the same time.
The creative exchange within the team is an important part of this process. We share ideas, review developments together, and refine designs collaboratively, which helps strengthen the final collection and keeps the work dynamic and inspiring.
Where do you draw your inspiration from – nature, architecture, fashion, or completely different areas?
It really depends on the brief. My knitting style is quite mixed and eclectic, so I don’t limit myself to a single source of inspiration. While I do have favourite themes and techniques, I consider myself quite versatile and enjoy responding creatively to what each project requires. Inspiration can come from many places, whether that’s colour, structure, or the technical challenge behind a design.
I particularly love working on intarsia and colourwork projects. There’s something very satisfying about plotting and designing the graphs and then seeing the pattern or image come to life on the needles. I’m currently working on a colourwork yoke sweater for the upcoming collection, which I’m especially excited about.
Is there a particular detail you pay special attention to in your designs?
I often begin designing directly on the needles, starting with the yarn itself. I usually have an initial idea in mind, then knit practice swatches and allow the design to develop naturally from there. The yarn plays a central role in this process, as understanding how it behaves helps determine the shape, structure, and textures I can create.
For Rosy Green Wool, I place particular importance on neat, well-considered finishing. I spend a lot of time testing and refining details such as selvedge edges, cast-ons, and bind-offs, as these small elements make a big difference to the overall quality and longevity of a garment.
What makes a good knitwear design for you – beyond fleeting trends?
For me, a good knitwear design is something that becomes a wardrobe staple. It needs to be a piece that knitters want to wear again and again, or feel excited to make for a loved one. Timelessness, comfort, and wearability are just as important as aesthetics, along with thoughtful construction that stands the test of time rather than following short-lived trends.
What makes Rosy Green Wool designs unique or unmistakable in your eyes?
Rosy Green Wool designs are defined by a strong connection between yarn, design, and values. The focus on natural fibres, ethical production, and sustainability gives the collections a clear identity. The designs are understated yet refined, with careful attention to proportion, texture, and detail, allowing the qualities of the yarn to really shine. There’s a sense of calm, longevity, and honesty in the designs that makes them instantly recognisable.
What distinguishes our pattern instructions, and what do you focus on most when developing them?
Clear, well-structured pattern instructions are essential. I focus on making patterns logical, precise, and easy to follow, avoiding unnecessary abbreviations or shorthand. Where relevant, I include additional notes or tutorials to help knitters fully understand the construction and techniques involved.
I pay particular attention to finishing details, as well as thorough testing with the wonderful team of test knitters we’ve built up over the years. The aim is to create patterns that feel supportive and reliable, giving knitters confidence from cast-on to bind-off.
What role do sustainability and material quality play in your design process?
Working with high-quality, responsibly produced yarns allows me to design garments that are not only beautiful, but also durable, wearable, and timeless. Sustainability also influences the way I design. I aim to create pieces that people will want to knit and wear for many years, with thoughtful construction, clear instructions, and well-finished details. By designing with intention and respect for the materials, I believe we can encourage a slower, more conscious approach to knitting that aligns closely with Rosy Green Wool’s values.
How does designing with Rosy Green Wool differ from other brands you’ve worked with?
Designing for Rosy Green Wool is different because the customer has a clear appreciation for modern, stylish knitwear, paired with high-quality yarn and thoughtful design. That expectation always informs my work. Every choice—from yarn selection and texture to construction and finishing—needs to balance practicality, timelessness, and elegance. Unlike some other brands where trends or speed may dominate, here the focus is on creating pieces that knitters will treasure, wear often, and feel proud to make. This emphasis on quality, sustainability, and longevity makes the design process both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Are there moments in the design process that challenge you – or, on the other hand, bring you particular joy?
I’m always challenged by orientation issues—left vs. right, and how a piece sits while knitting compared to when it’s worn. My brain still gets confused sometimes, even after years of experience, so I have to double- or triple-check. Having the needles in front of me to quickly cast on and test something is always a lifesaver.
On the joy side, there’s nothing quite like seeing sketches and swatches come to life as a finished sample that can actually be worn. That transformation—from idea to tactile, wearable object—is incredibly satisfying.
Which of your previous designs for Rosy Green Wool is closest to your heart, and why?
I would have to pick Festa, which was the very first design I made for Rosy Green Wool. My daughter was only a few months old at the time, so finding the time to knit it was a real challenge—but I made it happen. I especially love how the shawl collar turned out and the integrated pockets; they add both style and functionality. That design holds a lot of personal meaning for me.
Having been part of the team for a long time, how do you think our designs and collections have evolved over the years?
Our catalogue has expanded each season, offering a wider variety of garments and accessories while staying true to the brand’s values. This season, we’re introducing something entirely new and very exciting that builds on that evolution—continuing to push the balance between timeless design and fresh innovation.
What do you hope people feel when they wear a design made from our yarns?
I hope they feel a sense of comfort, confidence, and joy. I want the pieces to be something people reach for again and again—whether it’s a sweater that becomes a wardrobe favourite or a shawl knit for a loved one. The combination of beautiful, high-quality yarn and thoughtful design should make the knitting process enjoyable, and the finished garment something that truly delights the wearer.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role at Rosy Green Wool?
I’ve wanted to be an in-house designer for a lifetime, so having the opportunity to create my own collection is truly a dream come true. I’m excited to guide every stage of the design process, from initial sketches and swatches to finished garments, and to explore new ways to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Are there knitting dreams or design ideas you hope to realize here?
Absolutely—I’m excited to continue experimenting with colourwork and innovative textures, while also creating functional, wearable designs that feel both fresh and timeless. I also like to challenge myself by exploring shapes and styles I haven’t made before, which allows me to learn new skills and continually refine my techniques. It’s a rare opportunity to work with such beautiful materials while having the creative freedom to bring my own ideas to life.
Can you give us even a small sneak peek of the next collection?
Here are some early sketches and swatch developments. I can’t reveal everything yet, but there’s a focus on thoughtful colour combinations, playful textures, and designs that are as enjoyable to knit as they are to wear. I’m really excited to share more soon!
And finally: what can never be missing from your needles?
I don’t often get the chance to knit for pleasure, since most of my knitting is for work, but at the moment my daughter has been requesting a yellow scarf. I’m hoping to finish it for her by next winter—so that’s definitely what’s currently keeping my needles busy!
Thank you very much, Becky, for taking the time to do this interview!
