ROVE Knitwear is a British knitwear label, design studio, and small batch knitwear factory based in Margate, Kent. They began in 2013 from a modest workstation around a kitchen table, founded out of a desire to create quality, long-lasting knitwear made in Britain. Their focus has been on traceable British spun wool, evolving to meet the modern demand for sustainable, low-impact clothing by incorporating organic, natural, recycled, or biodegradable materials alongside a transparent production process.
Their seasonal collections feature unique designs intended to last well beyond a single season. Each piece is thoughtfully developed as a continuation of the last, allowing the range to grow slowly and intentionally. This approach reflects their commitment to creating enduring knitwear rather than fleeting fashion trends.
The team behind ROVE is small but dedicated. Rose leads on design, programming, and sampling, while Harriet hand-finishes each hat, scarf, and jumper to the highest standard. Both move fluidly around the studio, stepping in wherever needed, which is typical of micro businesses. They also collaborate remotely with Alex, who manages bookkeeping, and Rachel, who offers marketing expertise.
ROVE proudly partners with traditional factories in and around Nottingham, an area renowned for its rich knitwear heritage. The skilled technicians they work with use specialist British machinery and generations of expertise to knit gloves and socks. This collaboration honours the legacy of UK textile manufacturing and supports the preservation of vital homegrown craftsmanship skills.
The brand’s passion lies in designing and making knitwear. They find joy in working with wool, appreciating its texture and warmth. Their drive is to create beautiful pieces with minimal environmental impact. Transparency is key for ROVE: the price customers see reflects the true cost of skilled craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and sustainable practice, with no hidden markups or artificial discounts.
ROVE embraces small batch production to ensure high quality and minimal waste. By producing in limited runs, they avoid overproduction and use materials efficiently, often down to the last thread. This zero-waste approach is integral to their philosophy, demonstrating their thoughtful and responsible approach to knitwear design and manufacture.
In summary, ROVE Knitwear represents a blend of British heritage, skilled craftsmanship, and sustainable practice, all driven by a small, passionate team dedicated to creating timeless knitwear that respects tradition and the environment.