Cotton Yarns for Crafters and Makers

February 10, 2017

CRAFTERS and makers will soon be able to source beautiful cotton yarns that have been spun and dyed here in the North West of England.

We are working with partner company Three Bears Yarns to produce a range of 40 shades of yarns for knitting, weaving and crochet.

Three Bears Yarns was launched in September 2015 by Blackburn Yarn Dyers’ production manager Anthony Green and has been a hit world-wide.

Exciting plans for dyed yarns

While working with us on dyed yarns for shirting fabrics for a retail client, Anthony began devising plans for the new range. And, it’s already generating a lot of excitement among the crafting community.

Anthony said: “Customers over here are really keen to source their products locally.  Our customers abroad come to us because they can be sure of the high quality you get buying from the UK.

“We’re really proud to be working on this project with English Fine Cottons.  And proud, too, that we can provide a product that’s not only been dyed here in Blackburn, but also spun in our neighbouring county.”

A traditional dye-house

BYD was established in 1915 and prides itself on meticulous colour matching. The company’s reputation is proven by a long list of heavy-weight fashion brand and retail clients.

Anthony saw a gap in the market for stock-dyed yarns – and Three Bears Yarns was born. His products are already popular with crafters as far away as the US, Australia and South Africa.

He said: “Everyone knows the textiles industry in this country is challenging. We’ve been around for a long time and seen a lot of changes.

“We dye yarns for a whole range of clients, right up to designer fashion brands for handbags and trench coats. But, to continue to be successful, you have to evolve and try new things. And, that’s what Three Bears was all about.

“The return of cotton-spinning to this country has been something for all of textile manufacturers to celebrate.  It’s a great opportunity to reconnect old links and work together. I think it’s really exciting.”

Production starting soon

Anthony has now selected the 40 shades for the stock-dyed range of yarns. Production will begin in the coming weeks.

The knitting and weaving yarns are expected to be on sale by the beginning of April. Crochet yarns will be on sale a couple of weeks later.

A special project

English Fine Cottons’ general manager, Andy Ogden, said the stock-dyed yarns project has a special significance.

He said: “We’ve been thrilled by the amount of support we’ve received from the public.  Many of the people who have sent us well wishes and attended our open days are artists and crafters. And many of them have asked us how they can get hold of some of our yarn.

“We’re really pleased that now they can.  We’re delighted to be working with Anthony and BYD, who’ve seen the value of offering a product manufactured completely in the UK”

We recently visited Blackburn Yarn Dyers to see how the project was coming along. Take a look at the pictures and video below to see the dye-house in action.