Knitted Textile Student Awards 2007

The Knitted Textile Student Awards were initiated by the UK Hand Knitting Association in 2001 to showcase the very best in cutting edge design and innovation in the field of knitted textiles. Since that time it has been pushing the boundaries year on year, extending beyond fashion and interior design to include 3D installations and what might even be described as fine art, all created using the knitted stitch.  The awards have gained in status year on year and graduates of knitted textiles throughout the UK vie for inclusion in the prestigious finalist’s showcase.

The judging of the finalist’s work takes place at the Alexandra Palace show where a team of leading professionals from the textile field have the unenviable task of selecting the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners.

This year the first prize was awarded to Rebecca Holmes from Buckingham Chilterns University College who wins £1,000 and her college receive £1,000 worth of yarn.  Second prize was awarded to Jo Hoddinott from Cornwall College who receives £750 and third prize to Samantha Williams from Derby University who receives £250.

Click here to enter Knitted Textile Student Awards 2008

Closing date for entries 1st August 2008

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1st Prize

Rebecca Holmes

2nd Prize

Jo Hoddinott

3rd Prize

Samantha Williams

Click here for all entries of The Knitted Textile Student Awards 2007

The showcase gallery is provided by Creative Exhibitions at their Knitting + Stitching shows at NEC, Alexandra Palace and Harrogate and the awards are co-sponsored by GMC publishing’s 'Knitting' magazine. Approximately 30 of the very best from UK universities are selected by a team of judges to participate in the finalist’s gallery.

Several thousand visitors flock to the annual Knitted Textile Showcase and many say it is their first port of call when arriving at the exhibition.  They comment that the creative talent of the UK’s knitted textile students is inspirational.  The finalist’s work is much admired by numerous visitors including many from abroad who often say they have nothing to compare with this in their own countries.

The UK Hand Knitting Association is very encouraged by all the enthusiasm and particularly of the younger show visitors who are fired up by what they see and consequently visit the Relax and Knit area, another UKHKA initiative. There they find a ball of yarn, a pair of knitting needles and a helping hand from a friendly volunteer all ready to get them knitting and purling, discovering the joy and stress-busting benefits of this wonderful hobby. For many it even leads to a fruitful career.

The prime objective and motivation for the UKHKA, underlying all their initiatives, is to encourage newcomers to the craft, ensuring a vibrant future for the knitting industry. The recent surge in the number of knitting groups across the UK (some with as many as 700+ members!), the growing number of specialist knitting publications and websites is testimony to the fact that knitting is not only alive but most definitely kicking!

Click here for further information from the UKHKA Press Office.

Click here for details of winners for The Knitted Textile Student Awards 2006

Click here for The Knitted Textile Student Awards 2006