A Personal Love Letter to British Tweeds

As a fabric seller, I’m often asked what should be a simple question: “What’s your favourite fabric?”

My answer is always the same — and always delivered with a smile. For me, it’s a bit like asking someone which child is their favourite. How can you possibly choose? But time and time again, my heart drifts back to one fabric above all others: British tweed.

There is something so deeply special about tweeds woven here in the British Isles. They are entirely unique to our landscape, our weather, and our history — and quite honestly, nobody does it better. British tweeds carry a sense of heritage and authenticity that you can feel the moment you touch them. As someone who works with fabric every day, that connection matters to me.

I love travelling, and I’m lucky to do so, but there’s a very particular moment that always fills me with excitement — when the plane begins its descent back home. Looking down at the patchwork of fields, the soft greens, earthy browns, and muted greys, I’m reminded exactly where our tweeds come from. The beauty of the British countryside is woven straight into the cloth.

I feel the same joy when driving through our countryside. Watching how the landscape changes as you travel the length of the country is endlessly inspiring, especially as the seasons shift. Fresh spring greens, sun-warmed summer tones, rich autumnal russets, and the cool, misty shades of winter — all of these hues are echoed in British wool tweeds. It’s one of the reasons they feel so timeless and wearable. They don’t follow trends; they reflect nature.

Part of what makes heritage tweed fabrics so fascinating is their regional identity. Different areas developed their own cloths, colours, and weave structures, shaped by local needs and skills passed down through generations. Sadly, many of the mills that once specialised in these distinctive designs have now closed. With them, certain weave patterns and techniques have been lost, which means many modern tweeds simply don’t have the same depth or character.

That’s why I have such a strong love for vintage tweed fabric. Vintage tweeds often feature colour combinations you rarely see today — unexpected, beautifully balanced, and full of personality. They were produced in limited quantities, making them wonderfully exclusive. When you sew with vintage tweed, your finished piece becomes something truly special. Your make isn’t just handmade; it’s one of a kind.

For sewists, this exclusivity is part of the magic. You’re not working with a mass-produced fabric — you’re creating something that carries history, craftsmanship, and individuality. Vintage tweeds allow your creations to stand apart, quietly but confidently.

Of course, none of this would matter without the qualities of real wool. British wool tweed is warm, breathable, durable, and naturally weather-resistant. It softens over time, wears beautifully, and lasts for decades when cared for properly. It’s a fabric designed for real life, not fast fashion.

And that’s why supporting traditional wool mills and remaining tweed makers is so important to me. The craftsmanship behind British tweeds is slowly diminishing, and with it, the knowledge that makes these fabrics so special. Choosing authentic British tweed — especially vintage — is a way of valuing that skill and helping keep the tradition alive.

So when I’m asked about my favourite fabric, the answer may not be simple, but it is heartfelt. British tweeds represent everything I love about fabric: heritage, landscape, quality, and creativity. They inspire me as a seller, a sewist, and someone who truly appreciates the beauty of cloth.

In truth, I don’t have just one favourite — because British tweed, in all its woolly, colourful, storied glory, is a whole collection of favourites woven together. See some of my favourites right here.