Overview
- Channel 4 issued a statement saying it holds Shetland’s knitting culture in the highest regard and that the episode asked amateurs to reimagine a Fair Isle knit as part of an entertainment series.
- Shetland’s Organisation of Knitters and the Shetland Stitch Club accuse the programme of cultural appropriation and technical errors, citing chunky yarn, 10mm needles, unfamiliar terminology and a 12‑hour tank‑top challenge as misrepresentations.
- SOK members say producers sought guidance from Shetland knitters ahead of broadcast but disregarded the advice that was provided.
- Contestant Gordon Cree said he fell behind after undoing rows to fix a pattern error, while SOK objected to the show framing his choice to cut the knitting as problematic and stressed that the technique is safe.
- SOK plans to launch a fundraising campaign to fund education on Shetland knitting heritage and warns that misuse of the term Fair Isle undermines local makers.