Knit Shepherd is a textile design studio that harmoniously blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
Knit Shepherd is a textile design studio that harmoniously blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
The studio’s founder, Sarah, is deeply passionate about the art of knitting, whether executed by hand or machine. Her creative process begins with the meticulous crafting of hand-knit samples, which she then translates into digital instructions for knitting machines, enabling them to replicate the intricate qualities of hand-knit stitches.
The studio’s designs draw inspiration from the natural landscapes of Aotearoa, with patterns reflecting various locations throughout the motu and colour names paying homage to the region’s native fauna. The collection is crafted from luxurious camel down fibre, spun locally in Aotearoa. Renowned for its warmth, lightness, and resilience, this high-quality fibre epitomises the elegance and functionality central to Knit Shepherd’s creations.
Knit Shepherd is a textile design studio that harmoniously blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
The studio’s founder, Sarah, is deeply passionate about the art of knitting, whether executed by hand or machine. Her creative process begins with the meticulous crafting of hand-knit samples, which she then translates into digital instructions for knitting machines, enabling them to replicate the intricate qualities of hand-knit stitches.
The studio’s designs draw inspiration from the natural landscapes of Aotearoa, with patterns reflecting various locations throughout the motu and colour names paying homage to the region’s native fauna. The collection is crafted from luxurious camel down fibre, spun locally in Aotearoa. Renowned for its warmth, lightness, and resilience, this high-quality fibre epitomises the elegance and functionality central to Knit Shepherd’s creations.
NEW 2025 Collection
Arapawa Polwarth Wool Blend
Arapawa wool fibre has a special story. It descends from Spanish Merinos and it is thought that they were taken to the newly discovered Americas in the 1500s.
Perhaps it was from here that Captain Cook sourced the sheep that he would later bring to Aotearoa. It is believed that on Captain Cook's last voyage he left two ewes and one ram on Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. The breed adapted to the conditions on this island and has survived as a wild flock ever since. It is now farmed throughout the country by passionate enthusiasts that enjoy its fine bouncy and naturally coloured fleece.
We have combined this unique fibre with Otago Polwarth fleece to provide the soft white base. With the exception of dyeing of the darker colours, this yarn is untreated to preserve the unique character of these fibres.
NEW 2025 Collection
Arapawa Polwarth Wool Blend
Arapawa wool fibre has a special story. It descends from Spanish Merinos and it is thought that they were taken to the newly discovered Americas in the 1500s.
Perhaps it was from here that Captain Cook sourced the sheep that he would later bring to Aotearoa. It is believed that on Captain Cook's last voyage he left two ewes and one ram on Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. The breed adapted to the conditions on this island and has survived as a wild flock ever since. It is now farmed throughout the country by passionate enthusiasts that enjoy its fine bouncy and naturally coloured fleece.
We have combined this unique fibre with Otago Polwarth fleece to provide the soft white base. With the exception of dyeing of the darker colours, this yarn is untreated to preserve the unique character of these fibres.
NEW 2025 Collection
Arapawa Polwarth Wool Blend
Arapawa wool fibre has a special story. It descends from Spanish Merinos and it is thought that they were taken to the newly discovered Americas in the 1500s.
Perhaps it was from here that Captain Cook sourced the sheep that he would later bring to Aotearoa. It is believed that on Captain Cook's last voyage he left two ewes and one ram on Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. The breed adapted to the conditions on this island and has survived as a wild flock ever since. It is now farmed throughout the country by passionate enthusiasts that enjoy its fine bouncy and naturally coloured fleece.
We have combined this unique fibre with Otago Polwarth fleece to provide the soft white base. With the exception of dyeing of the darker colours, this yarn is untreated to preserve the unique character of these fibres.
Taranaki Collection
Maunga Taranaki with its magestic conical form inspired the textile pattern for this collection. The stepped diagonal lines suggesting the shape of the mountain with the central striped column eluding to the magma core.
Waitaha Collection
These products all use a knit stitch pattern that is inspired by Kā Pākihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha (Canterbury plains). In particular it is the view from the sky of the chequered paddocks, all with slightly different colours.
Starting as a hand-knit slip stitch sample the design is translated into a digitally knit textile.
Taranaki Collection
Maunga Taranaki with its magestic conical form inspired the textile pattern for this collection. The stepped diagonal lines suggesting the shape of the mountain with the central striped column eluding to the magma core.
Waitaha Collection
These products all use a knit stitch pattern that is inspired by Kā Pākihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha (Canterbury plains). In particular it is the view from the sky of the chequered paddocks, all with slightly different colours.
Starting as a hand-knit slip stitch sample the design is translated into a digitally knit textile.
Punakaiki Collection
Punakaiki is a town on the West Coast of the South Island where amazing rock formations are found, that resemble piles of pancakes. The form of these layered rocks inspired this garter-stitch pattern.
Taranaki Collection
Maunga Taranaki with its magestic conical form inspired the textile pattern for this collection. The stepped diagonal lines suggesting the shape of the mountain with the central striped column eluding to the magma core.
Waitaha Collection
These products all use a knit stitch pattern that is inspired by Kā Pākihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha (Canterbury plains). In particular it is the view from the sky of the chequered paddocks, all with slightly different colours.
Starting as a hand-knit slip stitch sample the design is translated into a digitally knit textile.
Punakaiki Collection
Punakaiki is a town on the West Coast of the South Island where amazing rock formations are found, that resemble piles of pancakes. The form of these layered rocks inspired this garter-stitch pattern.
Kaipara Collection
The Kaipara harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world. Inspired by a fisherman’s watch cap, these hats can be worn with the cuff folded up above the ears or down so it covers the ears.
Ruakawa collection
Raukawa (Cook Straight) is the body of water that separates the north and south islands of Aotearoa.
Kaipara Collection
The Kaipara harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world. Inspired by a fisherman’s watch cap, these hats can be worn with the cuff folded up above the ears or down so it covers the ears.
Ruakawa collection
Raukawa (Cook Straight) is the body of water that separates the north and south islands of Aotearoa.
Wanaka Collection
Wānaka is a favourite destination for enjoying Aotearoa’s winters, with its majestic alpine landscapes and stunning lakes.
Kaipara Collection
The Kaipara harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world. Inspired by a fisherman’s watch cap, these hats can be worn with the cuff folded up above the ears or down so it covers the ears.
Ruakawa collection
Raukawa (Cook Straight) is the body of water that separates the north and south islands of Aotearoa.
Wanaka Collection
Wānaka is a favourite destination for enjoying Aotearoa’s winters, with its majestic alpine landscapes and stunning lakes.