Rowan Yarns
Established in 1978, Rowan began above a grocery store in a small village near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Founded by Stephen Sheard and Simon Cockin, the brand set out to create high-quality yarns that reflected contemporary hand-knitting design, with a strong focus on natural fibres and a distinctive paint-box colour palette. These founding values remain central to Rowan today.
Inspired by the rowan trees along the Holme River, the brand is deeply rooted in British textile heritage. While Rowan has grown into a globally recognised name, now available in over 30 countries, it remains proudly based in Yorkshire.
Since the early 1980s, Rowan has been known for its designer-led approach, working with renowned designers such as Kaffe Fassett, alongside Lisa Richardson, Martin Storey, Erika Knight, Quail Studio, ARNE & CARLOS, and more. Rowan’s mission continues to be offering beautiful, high-quality yarns paired with inspiring designs that are a pleasure to knit and wear.