Shetland knitwear, but not as you know it.
The Shetland Islands, Scotland's northmost archipelago, are home to a rich knitting heritage.
Knitting is still part of daily life here. Working in her own contemporary style, knitwear designer Niela Nell Kalra – founder of Nielanell – is part of Shetland’s vibrant textile community.
Contemporary Shetland knitwear
From new takes on traditional Shetland knitwear, to original and unusual garments
Browse all knitwear
About us
Our island knitwear design studio
Nielanell was established in Hoswick, in 2008, by textile designer Niela Nell Kalra.
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Visit Nielanell
In person & virtually
We are based in Hoswick, a small village in the South Mainland of Shetland. Visit the studio shop or make a virtual trip!
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Meet the designer
From lawyer to knitwear designer
A change of career brought Niela Nell Kalra to Shetland, and into the world of knitwear.
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Ethos & Sustainability
Our sustainable Scottish knitwear is designed for wearing, not for trend following
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Pottering around Hoswick
We are lucky to call this Shetland village home. Only 20 minutes drive from Lerwick, Hoswick is a peaceful spot by the sea. Houses, workshops and business premises...
Our Shetland knitwear studio is open daily for summer 2026
The first of May means we are officially on NST (Nielanell Summer Time). 2026 is our nineteenth summer season!
Helen Robertson is the 2026 Shetland Wool Week Patron
Artist and maker Helen Robertson is this year's patron of Shetland Wool Week – her hat pattern, the Birsie Beanny, has now been launched.
Painterly colour in sustainable knitwear
Design and sustainability collide in our colourful and popular Marlet scarves – now back in stock.
The design process
Niela Nell Kalra, founder of Nielanell, on her approach to knitwear design and making
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What you say...
NOT fast fashion but quality lifetime wear.
Nielanell customer, 2021
I wear one of your jackets when I want to feel powerful
Julie, 2021
I so very much appreciate the design aspect of each line - unique and clearly well considered
Nielanell customer, 2021