On a behind-the-scenes tour at Nielanell, during Shetland Wool Week.
Shetland Wool Week at Nielanell
We love the excitement and energy that wool weekers bring to our village during this annual festival every autumn!
Shetland Wool Week 2027
SATURDAY 25 SEPT - SUNDAY 3 OCT
At Nielanell, our studio will be open daily and we’ll also run a programme of special events – most of which will be free.
For an idea of what's on, browse our programme for SWW 2026.
General information
Shetland Wool Week takes place between the last week of September and the first week of October. The programme usually launches in the second half of July (sign up for SWW membership to get early access).
Nielanell events are listed in the official programme, with the exception of our popular Makkers' Drop-in. We usually host this relaxed meet up at Hoswick Visitor Centre on the Sunday after SWW ends. Date TBC for 2027.
Our programme changes from year-to-year, but below you’ll find: a general flavour of Shetland Wool Week at Nielanell, other places to visit in Hoswick and an introduction to SWW itself.
In the Nielanell knitwear studio, Hoswick.
Open studio at Nielanell
During Shetland Wool Week, our Hoswick knitwear studio is open daily.
Stop by to explore our contemporary, artistic approach to colour and texture in knitwear – and discover the interesting narratives behind our unusual collections.
Free tours of our knitwear studio
For a deeper dive into our making and designing you can join one of our free, behind-the-scenes tours of the Nielanell studio and workshops.
Interesting workshops and classes
Katie and Niela of Nielanell often teach hands-on classes as part of the SWW programme.
Hoswick is also the setting for a range of interesting classes (including knitting and spinning and other art forms), which take place at Hoswick Visitor Centre.
Our Makkers' Drop-in
The day after Shetland Wool Week ends, we host our popular Makkers’ Drop-in at Hoswick Visitor Centre.
This is a lovely and relaxing way to round off the week, do some knitting with friends and enjoy a tea or coffee (plus a few snacks!).
NB with the extension of SWW 2027 to nine days, we’ll need to confirm our arrangements/date for the Drop-in. Sign up to our newsletter for updates.
Knitters at our Makker's Drop-in, which we host the day after Wool Week finishes.
Visiting Hoswick
Hoswick is a 20 min drive south from Lerwick and is also accessible by bus.
Hoswick Visitor Centre and its café become a peerie hub during Wool Week, bustling with classes.
The Visitor Centre is also a lovely stopping point if you’re travelling outside Lerwick. The building was originally the village’s weaving shed and still houses some of the weaving machinery amongst its local history displays.
Hoswick is also home to Shetland Woollen Co and Karlin Anderson Jewellery – both well worth a visit. We are all a short distance from the peerie south-facing beach.
Useful info:
- Nielanell studio and getting here
- Nielanell opening times
-
Things to do in Hoswick
- Hoswick leaflet: an illustrated guide to the village.
Examples of Shetland lace knitting by Anne Eunson and Kathleen Anderson, at Hoswick Visitor Centre during Shetland Wool Week.
What is Shetland Wool Week?
In early autumn, wool and textile enthusiasts head to Shetland for this busy seven-day festival.
Events can sell out within minutes; wool weekers often book their trip a year in advance – it’s a ‘bucket list’ adventure for many.
Through a wonderful programme of events, we celebrate the Shetland textile industry, the Shetland sheep (Britain’s most northerly native breed) and our rural farming community.
In the islands, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Shetland and we can all learn from our local experts and tradition bearers.
Workshops, classes, exhibitions, talks, open studios, croft visits and gatherings happen throughout the islands.
The living traditions of Shetland are a focus, with many opportunities to learn Fair Isle and Shetland lace knitting techniques from knitters who have been practising these skills since early childhood.
But – you don’t need to be an expert knitter or spinner to enjoy Shetland Wool Week. In fact, people come who can’t do either of these things! Alongside the classes you might expect to find, there are some imaginative wool and knitting-related activities in the programme.
It’s a really special week, which takes a huge amount of work from the small team at Shetland Wool Week (as well as all the individuals and groups organising events, many of whom are volunteers).
We are so honoured and proud to be part of it.
