Knitting is the new cool as wool sales soar

Knitting has cast off its traditional image thanks to a series of famous backers.

New figures show a boom in popularity for the pastime that was once associated with elderly ladies but is now the hobby of Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and Sandra Bullock.

Arts and crafts chain HobbyCraft said endorsements from stars had helped boost wool sales, up 28 per cent in the last year to more than one million.

Chris Crombie, chief executive of HobbyCraft, said people of all ages were adopting a make-your-own attitude during the recession.

He added that chunky yarns, which tend to be picked by first-time knitters because they are easier to handle, have proved to be best-sellers, with sales up 38 per cent since the banking collapse last autumn.

John Lewis is also selling six per cent more needles and designer wools than last year.

Gail Downey, who runs a boutique selling specially commissioned pre-made knitwear, said the boom meant people were joining knitting circles, swapping wool, patterns and ideas.

One of these groups is run by her design house Weardowney at a Starbucks in Oxford Street.

It also hosts classes in the shop in Connaught Village, Marylebone, near former prime minister Tony Blair's multi-million-pound townhouse.

"Knitting has definitely become more glamorous and the type of people who love it are far from the traditional image of grannies," she said.

"We produce ready-made clothes but wanted to share our craft.

"We have been amazed at the response. People find it very satisfying and calming and it fits with the current mood for making your own when you can during the recession."

Kimberly Stewart, daughter of rock star Rod Stewart, is one of Weardowney's customers but also joins Miss Downey and her partner Amy Wear at their shop to pick up a few tips.

She said she found the pastime relaxing and often snubbed a night out to stay in and knit. "It's one of my hobbies," she said.

"I like to knit so I have knitting parties. I love doing scarves, baby blankets and beanies. It calms me down a little bit."