Shetland islanders have accused Tom Daley’s new Channel 4 knitting show Game of Wool of cultural appropriation after spotting major errors in its portrayal of their traditional Fair Isle craft. The backlash erupted right after the first episode aired on Sunday, leaving local knitters shocked and calling for an apology from the broadcaster to correct the misconceptions.
The Show Sparks Outrage Among Local Crafters
The program, titled Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter, features contestants competing in knitting challenges hosted by the Olympic diver and knitting enthusiast Tom Daley. It aims to highlight British knitting traditions, starting with the iconic Fair Isle technique from the Shetland Islands in Scotland. But what was meant to celebrate the craft turned into a point of contention for many in the community.
Experienced Shetland knitters tuned in with high hopes, only to feel let down by what they saw as careless mistakes. One knitter described the group chat lighting up with frustration as the episode progressed. The technique, known for its intricate two-color patterns per row, has deep roots in the islands and gained fame in the 1920s when the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, wore Fair Isle sweaters on his travels.
This heritage is not just a hobby; it supports local economies through handmade goods sold worldwide. With Shetland’s small population of around 23,000, preserving these skills matters a lot to the islanders who see the show as a missed chance to get it right.
Key Errors That Fueled the Fire
Shetland’s Organisation for Knitters, a group formed this year to safeguard their knitting legacy, quickly pointed out the biggest issues. They shared a detailed post on social media breaking down the problems, which spread fast among crafters online.
The complaints centered on how the show deviated from authentic practices. For instance, contestants used thick yarn and large needles, far from the fine materials true to the tradition. This not only looked wrong but also misrepresented the skill level needed for real Fair Isle work.
To make the issues clear, here is a table summarizing the main errors highlighted by the knitters:
| Error in the Show | Traditional Fair Isle Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chunky yarn with 10mm needles | Fine yarn with 2.5-3mm needles | Fine tools create the delicate, durable patterns that define the craft; chunky versions simplify it too much and alter the look. |
| Calling small designs “peerie patterns” | No such term used locally | This slang misleads viewers and erases the actual Shetland words, showing a lack of real research. |
| 12-hour challenge for a full tank top | Takes days or weeks for experts | Sets impossible standards that could discourage new learners and undervalues the time-honored patience required. |
| Designs labeled as Fair Isle but actually stranded colorwork | Strict motifs with two colors per row | Blurs the lines of a specific cultural style, leading to confusion about what makes Fair Isle unique. |
These points show how small details can add up to big misunderstandings, especially for a global audience tuning in.
Community Reactions and Online Buzz
The response from Shetland has been swift and vocal. Another group, the Shetland Stitch Club, wrote an open letter to Channel 4 urging them to apologize for misrepresenting an entire culture. Local news outlets reported that producers had even consulted Shetland knitters before filming, making the errors feel like a betrayal.
On social media, discussions exploded. Reddit threads in knitting communities mixed support for the islanders with debates about whether the show was just for entertainment. Some users joked about the drama, while others defended the tradition, saying it deserves accurate portrayal to inspire properly.
Twitter posts shared articles from major outlets, with users calling it a bizarre row over a cozy craft. One viral thread questioned if this counts as real cultural appropriation, comparing it to bigger issues but agreeing the inaccuracies harm the craft’s reputation. Overall, the online chatter has boosted awareness, with thousands engaging in the past few days.
Knitters from outside Shetland chimed in too, sharing tips on authentic Fair Isle and linking to resources for learning it right. This wave of conversation highlights how TV can shape public views on traditions, for better or worse.
Defenses and the Bigger Picture
Not everyone agrees with the strong accusations. Some commentators argue that the show is lighthearted fun, not a documentary, and Tom Daley’s passion for knitting should get credit for bringing attention to the craft. They point out his large following could introduce Fair Isle to new fans who might seek out genuine sources later.
Daley himself has not commented directly on the backlash yet, but the show continues with more episodes planned. Channel 4 has stayed quiet on an apology, though the pressure is building as more knitters join the call.
This incident ties into wider talks about cultural respect in media. Just last year, similar complaints arose over a fashion line using indigenous patterns without credit, showing how crafts tied to places like Shetland face ongoing challenges. Preserving these skills also helps economically; Fair Isle exports contribute to the islands’ tourism and sales, with patterns evolving yet staying true to roots.
Experts note that while innovation is good, basics must be honored to avoid diluting heritage. As knitting surges in popularity post-pandemic, with sales up 20% in the UK, shows like this could do more good with better accuracy.
What Comes Next for the Knitting World
The controversy has sparked deeper interest in Shetland knitting, with searches for Fair Isle tutorials spiking online. Local groups hope this leads to more accurate coverage and perhaps collaborations with authentic experts.
Viewers can still enjoy the show but take it with a grain of salt, turning to books or classes for real learning. This event reminds us that behind every stitch is a story worth telling right.
If you love knitting or cultural stories, share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to keep these traditions alive.
