Faroese Knitting History: A Tradition Through Time

Knitting has been a way of life in the Faroe Islands for centuries. In a place where the wind howls, the winters are long, and the landscape is as rugged as it is beautiful, warm clothing was not just a necessity - it was a matter of survival. Faroese women spent countless hours knitting by lamplight, creating durable garments that could withstand the harsh North Atlantic weather. But knitting was never just about function. Patterns were passed down through generations, each stitch carrying a story, a tradition, a connection to home.

Wool as Faroese Gold

Wool has always been at the heart of Faroese knitting. With more sheep than people on the islands, Faroese wool was an abundant and essential resource. Naturally rich in lanolin, it repels water and provides warmth even in the dampest conditions. This made it ideal for fishermen’s sweaters, or skipstroyggjur, which were carefully hand-knitted by wives and mothers to protect their loved ones at sea.

In the past, each village had its own distinctive knitting patterns, and wives would knit unique versions of that pattern for their husbands to help identify them from a distance. When fishermen returned from a journey out to sea, women could see the patterns on the sweaters before they could see the faces of the men. The patterns could tell a story of life and death as the sea took its part of the men every year. These designs, simple yet beautiful, remain an important part of Faroese heritage today.

A Tradition That Lives On

At Guðrun & Guðrun, we honour the time-honoured tradition of Faroese knitting while reinterpreting it for today. Our hand-knitted pieces reflect the same care, patience, and craftsmanship that defined Faroese knitting for generations. Each stitch tells a story - of the land, the people, and the culture that inspire us.

By using untreated Faroese wool, we stay true to the roots of our craft, embracing nature’s raw materials while ensuring sustainability. Just as the women before us created garments meant to last, we design hand knits that are timeless, resisting fast fashion trends and standing the test of time.

Knitting is more than just a skill in the Faroe Islands - it’s an expression of identity, a link to the past, and a celebration of resilience. And through every hand-knitted piece, that story continues.