Di Gilpin

Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell are two of Britain’s foremost figures in contemporary knitting and textile design. Based in Scotland, their internationally acclaimed studio is celebrated for elegant, innovative, and sustainable knitwear rooted in Scottish heritage.

Nearly 40 years ago, Di founded her studio after leaving a teaching career and settling on the Isle of Skye, where she began knitting on a semi-ruined croft. Inspired by Scotland’s coastal landscapes, her practice evolved into a lifelong exploration of stitch, colour, and texture. Sheila, the studio’s Production Manager for over a decade, joined after a long teaching career. Born into a family immersed in the wool traditions of the Scottish Borders, her passion for knitting and colourwork naturally complements Di’s creative vision.

Together, they are renowned for their expertise in gansey knitting — a traditional technique rooted in Britain’s maritime history. Their book The Gansey Knitting Sourcebook is an essential reference for knitters worldwide. Under Di Gilpin Ltd, they have collaborated with leading designers and brands including Nike, Paul Smith, and Connolly England.

Their educational initiatives, such as Knitwise with the Ettedgui Foundation and the Prince’s Foundation, continue to nurture new generations of makers. Tireless advocates for craft, Di and Sheila have received multiple awards for their contribution to textile design.

Find out more and follow Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell:
www.digilpin.com
@digilpinknitwear