About Rowan

Rowan is an internationally renowned handknitting company, whose reputation for inspirational and creative handknit design is unsurpassed.

Rowan was first established in 1978 by two Yorkshire men, Stephen Sheard and Simon Cockin. Initially with offices based above a grocery store, the business soon moved to Green Lane Mill, Holmfirth, where the Rowan team still work to this day.

The aim was to develop colourful weaving yarns, as there was a lack of vibrant yarns on the market. With the help of colour expert Kaffe Fassett, these new Rowan yarns were targeted at designers and creative crafters so they could produce exciting contemporary designs.  The focus quickly changed to handknit yarns, and the rest is history.

In 1996 Rowan Yarns was acquired by Coats Crafts, www.coatscrafts.co.uk
a global leader in sewing thread and needlecrafts products. The Rowan brand joined a stable of strong craft brands including; Anchor, Patons, SMC Select, Red Heart, Regia, Opti, Coats Cotton, Coats Duet, Milward, Maia, Idena, Freespirit and Royal Paris.

Rowan distributes its products worldwide - yarns, magazines and dedicated yarn brochures are available from independent and national retailers as well as department stores.

Today Rowan publishes its acclaimed magazine twice a year offering knitters both a Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collection. Contributing to these magazines are many acclaimed freelance designers such as; Kaffe Fassett, Erika Knight, Martin Storey, Jean Moss, Sarah Dallas as well as our highly creative in-house team led by brand manager Kate Buller, and head designer Marie Wallin. In addition to this Rowan publishes many dedicated yarn brochures and books throughout the year.

2011 saw the launch of Rowan’s iconic 50th edition magazine which celebrates inspirational use of colour, texture and pattern with which Rowan has become synonymous over the years; indeed many of our magazines have become collectors items.

The Rowan ethos over the years has always been to create inspirational and desirable handknit design. Although our designs reflect the fashion trends of the time they have become classics, with designs of the past still being worn today.