We’re beyond excited to introduce High Desert, our first 100% American-made from farm-to-skein yarn line.
In 2020, Knit Picks’ had a dream to develop an all-American-made yarn line. To source high-quality, 100% domestically grown wool to use as the foundation for building a yarn line sourced and milled in the U.S. In parallel, Shaniko Wool Company was looking for a long-term U.S. brand to sell their prized, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)* certified wool harvest. Most importantly, to find a company that would develop and produce high-quality yarn for knitters and crafters alike.
Our vision? To create a sport and worsted weight yarn that was soft, smooth, and structured for beautiful garments — be it texture, colorwork, or cables. And to build a color palette inspired by the beautiful colors of Oregon’s high desert landscape, wildlife, and skyline.
The result? High Desert yarns. A match made in (wool) heaven.
From Fleece to Finished Goods
The journey of High Desert begins in the meadows, forest lands, and deserts of the American West. From there, the wool travels to South Carolina to be cleaned and processed for spinning, then onward to North Carolina, where it’s dyed and spun. Once finished, the yarn is sent to Crafts Groups Ohio warehouse before being shipped worldwide to you, our valued customers.
The wool used to create the High Desert yarn line comes from Merino and Merino/Rambouillet-cross sheep, raised on family ranches where both sheep and land are husbanded thoughtfully across generations.
The difference can be felt with your first touch of the yarn — soft heirloom-quality wool makes each skein shine with an earthy brilliance. This is a yarn made to stand the test of time, much like the resilient spirit of the land where its story begins.
* The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), developed by Textile Exchange, is an international benchmark program for responsible land and animal management.
