Wool and the Gang Review: Why This Trendy Knitting Brand is Worth the Hype

Hey there, fellow yarn lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest in the world of knitting and crochet. Well, let me tell you, I have found the holy grail of hip, high-quality yarn brands and I am beyond excited to share my obsession with you. I‘m talking about none other than Wool and the Gang, the UK-based company that‘s been taking the maker world by storm with their cool patterns, premium materials, and community of creative, eco-conscious crafters.

In this in-depth review, I‘ll be sharing my honest thoughts and experiences with Wool and the Gang, from their drool-worthy yarn selections to their easy-to-follow patterns and kits. I‘ll also dive into the company‘s mission and values, compare them to other popular knitting brands, and answer some common questions from beginners looking to join the gang. So grab a cup of tea, cozy up with your latest WIP, and let‘s get into it!

What is Wool and the Gang?

In case you‘re not familiar, Wool and the Gang is a knitting and crochet company that was founded in 2008 with the goal of making yarn crafts cool, modern, and accessible to makers of all skill levels. They offer a wide range of premium yarns, stylish patterns, ready-to-make kits, and supplies through their online store and select retailers.

But Wool and the Gang is more than just a place to buy supplies – it‘s a global community of passionate makers who love to share their projects, connect with each other, and support the brand‘s mission of promoting sustainable, mindful fashion. With a strong presence on social media and regular knit- and crochet-alongs, Wool and the Gang has cultivated a loyal following of crafters who are just as obsessed with their products as I am.

The Yarns

Let‘s start with the good stuff: the yarns. Wool and the Gang offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality fibers that are sourced from around the world and chosen for their unique properties and versatility. Here are some of my personal faves:

Shiny Happy Cotton

This lustrous Pima cotton is hands down my favorite yarn for summer knitting and crochet. It‘s incredibly soft, breathable, and has a beautiful sheen that elevates even the simplest stitches. I‘ve used it to make everything from tanks and tees to lightweight cardigans and home decor items, and it always yields stunning results.

Crazy Sexy Wool

If you‘re looking for an ultra-cozy, quick-knitting yarn, look no further than Crazy Sexy Wool. This super bulky wool blend is perfect for whipping up statement sweaters, oversized scarves, and chunky blankets in no time flat. And with over 45 colors to choose from, you‘ll have no trouble finding the perfect shade to suit your style.

Tina Tape Yarn

For a fun and unexpected twist, give Tina Tape Yarn a try. This unique fiber is made from recycled textile waste and has a flat, ribbon-like structure that creates interesting textures and color variations. I love using it for sleek summer tops, colorful accessories, and even woven wall hangings.

Wool and the Gang also offers several other premium yarns like Billie Jean Yarn (upcycled denim!), Heal the Wool (100% Peruvian wool), and Baby Alpaca Merino Yarn (super soft and warm). You really can‘t go wrong with any of their materials – they‘re all carefully chosen for their quality, versatility, and unique characteristics.

The Patterns

Of course, even the most gorgeous yarn is nothing without a great pattern to showcase it. Luckily, Wool and the Gang has no shortage of stylish, well-designed knitting and crochet patterns that are both fun to make and fashionable to wear.

Their pattern library includes hundreds of options for sweaters, cardigans, accessories, home decor, and more, with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to advanced. As someone who‘s been knitting for years but still considers myself an advanced beginner at best, I appreciate that Wool and the Gang offers so many easy-to-follow patterns that help me build my skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Some of my favorite Wool and the Gang patterns include:

• The Malibu Sweater: A boxy, cropped pullover that‘s perfect for layering over dresses or high-waisted jeans. The simple stockinette stitch makes it a great pattern for beginners looking to tackle their first sweater.

• The Cindy Scarf: This versatile scarf can be worn multiple ways and features a fun, textured stitch pattern that looks way more complicated than it actually is. Plus, it only takes a few hours to make – instant gratification!

• The Fearless Cardigan: If you‘re ready to take your knitting skills to the next level, the Fearless Cardigan is a great choice. It features intricate cable details and a cozy, oversized fit that‘s perfect for snuggling up in on chilly days.

One thing I really appreciate about Wool and the Gang‘s patterns is that they all come with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful photos or diagrams to guide you through any tricky bits. They also offer video tutorials for some of their most popular patterns, which is a great resource for visual learners like myself.

The Kits

If you‘re new to knitting or crochet (or just really busy!), Wool and the Gang‘s ready-to-make kits are a fantastic option. These all-in-one boxes come with everything you need to complete a specific project, including the yarn, pattern, needles or hook, and any additional notions.

I first tried a Wool and the Gang kit a few years ago when I was looking for a portable project to take on a long flight. I opted for the Wild & Wooly Pom Beanie kit, which came with two skeins of Crazy Sexy Wool, a pair of wooden knitting needles, a tapestry needle, and an easy-to-follow pattern. Not only was the finished hat adorable (and super cozy), but I was also really impressed with the quality of the materials and the clear, concise instructions.

Since then, I‘ve made several more Wool and the Gang kits, including the Snuggly Sweater (a classic crewneck that‘s perfect for gifting) and the Stripy Coco Marinière (a chic Breton-inspired top that‘s great for summer). Each kit has been a joy to make and I love that I can just grab one and go without having to worry about tracking down individual supplies.

The Community

One of the things that really sets Wool and the Gang apart from other knitting and crochet brands is their vibrant online community. With a strong presence on Instagram, Facebook, and Ravelry, the gang is all about connecting makers from around the world and celebrating their creativity.

I love scrolling through the #woolandthegang hashtag on Instagram to see what other crafters are making with the brand‘s yarns and patterns. It‘s so inspiring to see how people put their own unique spin on each design and how supportive and encouraging the community is of one another‘s work.

Wool and the Gang also hosts regular knit- and crochet-alongs on their social media channels, where makers can work on the same project together and share progress, tips, and photos along the way. I‘ve participated in a few of these events and it‘s always so much fun to feel like you‘re part of a global crafting party, even if you‘re just stitching away on your couch at home.

But the community aspect of Wool and the Gang goes beyond just social media. The brand also hosts in-person events and workshops at their flagship store in London and partners with local yarn shops and makers around the world to spread the joy of knitting and crochet. They even have a program called "Gang Makers" where passionate crafters can apply to become ambassadors for the brand and host their own events and workshops in their communities.

The Sustainability

As someone who‘s become increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of my consumer choices, I really appreciate Wool and the Gang‘s commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices.

All of the brand‘s wool is sourced from certified mulesing-free farms, which means the sheep are not subjected to the cruel and painful practice of mulesing (removing strips of skin from around their rear end to prevent flystrike). They also work with small, independent farmers and cooperatives to support local communities and ensure fair wages and working conditions.

In addition to their ethical sourcing practices, Wool and the Gang is also committed to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental footprint. All of their yarns are shipped in recyclable paper packaging and they have a program called "The Loop" where customers can send back their leftover yarn scraps to be recycled into new products.

But perhaps the most impactful way that Wool and the Gang promotes sustainability is by empowering makers to create their own clothing and accessories. By teaching people the skills to make their own garments, they‘re helping to slow down the fast fashion cycle and reduce the demand for cheaply made, disposable clothing. And as someone who‘s experienced firsthand the joy and satisfaction of wearing something I made myself, I can attest to the fact that handmade really is better – for both the maker and the planet.

The Bottom Line

So, after all that, what‘s my final verdict on Wool and the Gang? In case it wasn‘t obvious from my gushing review, I am a huge fan of this brand and everything they stand for. From their high-quality materials and stylish patterns to their commitment to sustainability and community building, Wool and the Gang ticks all the boxes for me as a conscious consumer and passionate maker.

Of course, no brand is perfect, and I will say that Wool and the Gang‘s prices are definitely on the higher end compared to some other popular knitting and crochet brands like Lion Brand or Michaels. However, I personally believe that the quality of their products and the values behind the brand make them worth the investment. Plus, they offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount and regularly have sales and promotions, so there are definitely ways to save if you‘re on a budget.

At the end of the day, if you‘re looking to dive into the world of knitting and crochet (or take your existing skills to the next level), I highly recommend giving Wool and the Gang a try. Their yarns are truly a joy to work with, their patterns are both stylish and approachable, and their community is one of the warmest and most welcoming I‘ve ever been a part of. Trust me, once you join the gang, you‘ll never look back!