Meet British knitwear designer Susan Holton…

Meet British knitwear designer-maker Susan Holton

I’m Sue, a British knitwear designer and maker based in Surrey in the south east of the UK, where I create beautiful contemporary handmade knitwear. Everything I make is designed so that you feel confident, comfortable, and entirely yourself.

Contemporary handmade knitwear designed and made in the UK

I design, knit and finish my knitwear in my Surrey home-studio. I mainly use natural fibre yarns sourced here in the UK. Each piece is carefully considered, from the choice of yarn and stitch structure to the way it fits, drapes, and moves with your body.

Whether you’re looking for a cosy jumper you’ll reach for everyday, or a beautifully made scarf or hat to complete an outfit, my knitwear brings together timeless style and meticulous craftsmanship - pieces you’ll enjoy wearing for years.

You are buying direct from the designer-maker

Finding knitwear that feels modern, fits well, and genuinely makes you feel good can be surprisingly difficult. Too often it’s either uninspiring, poorly made, or simply not designed with real women in mind.

When you buy from me you’re buying directly from the person who designed and made your garment. There’s no mass production, no shortcuts, and no compromise on quality, just carefully made knitwear created in small quantities and finished by hand.

Why I began designing my own knitwear

I learned to knit because I couldn’t find knitwear I actually wanted to wear, and I know that I’m not alone in feeling like this. I began by making pieces for myself, knitting on the train while commuting to my graphic design job in London. It meant I didn’t have to search endlessly to find clothing that felt right.

Like many women, I struggle with sensitivity to wool, so being able to choose fibres which feel good on my skin is essential. And what started as a practical solution quickly became a creative obsession.

I bought my first knitting machine in the early 1980’s and began to teach myself how to use it. Learning is a never-ending process which continues to this day, but I quickly discovered the extraordinary creative possibilities in machine knitting. Some of my earliest designs are still in my wardrobe today - and still worn.

An eye for detail in every stitch

With a background in high end graphic design, I bring a trained eye for detail to every aspect of my work: proportion, texture, colour, and finish. This attention ensures that my garments drape beautifully, fit comfortably, and feel considered from every angle.

I’m self-taught - by design

I’m entirely self taught as a knitter and dyer. This is a strength; it allows me to work intuitively, experiment freely, and avoid the idea that there is only one ‘correct’ way to do things.

I work primarily with two hand powered domestic knitting machines - one Japanese, one Swiss - both dating from the late 1970s/early 1980s. They were considered the ‘Rolls Royce’ of knitting machines in their day, and each has its own strengths. While the technology is now quite old and can be challenging, they offer a high level of control, creative freedom and character.

Designed to fit and made to last - and only made in small quantities

I’ve been making clothes for myself and others for more than 40 years. This experience in knitting, soft tailoring and bespoke garment creation informs everything I make.

Because I know it’s hard to find pieces which truly reflect your personality and style, I design knitwear that feels distinctive yet wearable. And I only make in small quantities so there’s less waste, garments are never mass produced; it’s much more sustainable. Everything is made to become part of your everyday life - so you can be confident and comfortable in your clothes (and look after the planet at the same time!).

And the only place you can buy my knitwear is directly from me

That means online here at susanholtonknitwear.com, as well as at occasional events and pop-ups. Nowhere else. So when you wear my knitwear it’s unlikely that you’ll ever see someone else wearing the same piece.

I hope you enjoy exploring my collection. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, I’d be very happy to help.

What do actual customers say?

You can see more comments from my customers by visiting my reviews page, on individual product pages, and in reviews on Google.

Creative and Business Awards

Susan Holton Knitwear has been selected for a number of creative and business awards over the years.

These awards range from those of business leaders such as Theo Paphitis and his ‘Small Business Sunday #SBS’, Jacqueline Gold with her ‘Women on Wednesday (#wow)’, and Muddy Stilettos, to creative awards and selections from organisations such as the Society of Designer Craftsmen and the Crafts Council. You can read more about these various awards here.

(All images on this website are ©Susan Holton Knitwear and may not be used without prior written permission from Susan Holton.)