The Social Knitwork

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Sociopolitical Documentary hosted by Hannah McClean, published by BBC broadcasted as part of BBC True North series in 2025 - English narration

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For a long time, knitting was seen as something only grannies did. But young fashion designer Hope Macaulay is reviving this traditional craft for the modern age. Her chunky handmade knitwear exploded onto the fashion scene in 2020 after going viral online and has since been worn by celebrities worldwide and featured in top fashion magazines. But what makes the business so special is Hope's dedicated team of home knitters who are on hand to bring her colourful designs to life - they're 20 women across Northern Ireland. And now Hope's making her biggest move yet. Over the next few months, the team is working towards opening their first ever shop in Los Angeles. Along the way, we'll meet some of the knitters in their homes and find out what knitting means to them. Carol feels it has turned round her mental health, Agnes is continuing a long family tradition and it's helped broaden young knitter Claire's horizons. Hope also explores using Irish wool by meeting rare-breed sheep farmer Freda Magill. Hope's close-knit family are involved in the business too. Lesley Macaulay, Hope's mum, is the knitter coordinator who drives over 400 miles a week to deliver all the wool to the knitters. Sister Beth is the operations manager, Hope's dad Tony looks after the business side of the operation and her 92-year-old granny Margaret sews in all the clothes labels. With brand new knitwear pieces to create, a bunch of influencers and TikTokers to invite, and plenty of online social media promotion, Hope and her team have a busy summer ahead to make the shop a success. Will this handmade label be able to make it in Hollywood? This film highlights the fashionable comeback of knitting and how this rare production method is reviving Ireland's once-thriving cottage industry.