The Hope's Wool Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing your pattern, wool, colours and needles.
Whether you’re starting your first project or adding to your wool collection, this guide is here to help you create your own Hope Macaulay piece at home.
Where should I start?
We recommend starting with a pattern or kit you love. Each product description includes the skill level, so you can choose the right project for you.
Every Hope Macaulay kit includes the pattern and wool, with the option to add needles if you need them. Once you’ve chosen your kit, simply select your favourite wool colours, add needles if required, and you’ll have everything you need to start creating.
What do the skill levels mean?
Each pattern includes a suggested skill level to help you choose the right project for your experience.
Skill level: Beginner
A great first Hope’s Wool project using simple techniques.
Skill level: Easy
Best for knitters who know the basics and are ready for a slightly more detailed project.
Skill level: Intermediate
Best for confident knitters. These patterns may include shaping, circular needles or more detailed construction.
How do I know which wool to buy?
For our kits, all the wool you need is included. You’ll also find the exact wool amounts listed in each product description, so you can see what your kit includes before ordering.
You can choose your own colours for each kit too. Each product image is labelled with colours such as A, B, C and D, so you can easily match your chosen shades to the design — for example, selecting pink for Colour A, cream for Colour B, and so on.
How do I know which needles I need?
For our kits, you’ll have the option to add the correct needle size when ordering. You’ll also find the needle sizes listed in each kit and pattern product description, so you can check what you need before you begin.
Are the patterns digital or physical?
Our patterns are digital downloads. Once purchased, you’ll receive the pattern via email so you can start planning your project straight away.
Each pattern includes the information you need to choose the recommended wool, quantity and needle size.
What is Hope Macaulay Chunky Wool made from?
Hope Macaulay Chunky Wool is made from 100% merino wool, a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre.
Grown in Uruguay and manufactured in the UK, this yarn is responsibly and ethically sourced from non-mulesed flocks. It is also RWS-certified and OEKO-TEX 100-certified.
Our Chunky Wool is perfect for bold, colourful Hope Macaulay-style knits, including cardigans, sweaters, vests, scarves and accessories.
What is Hope Macaulay Colossal Wool made from?
Hope Macaulay Colossal Wool is our vibrant, signature super thick wool, perfect for crafting, knitting, spinning, felting, weaving and wherever else your creative mind takes you.
Made from 100% Corriedale wool, it is a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre. Grown in New Zealand and manufactured in the UK, this super thick wool is responsibly and ethically sourced from non-mulesed flocks. The dye used in our Colossal Wool is also OEKO-TEX 100-certified.
Our Colossal Wool is ideal for oversized texture, statement knits, mini bags and playful accessories.
What is special about merino and corriedale wool?
Our merino and Corriedale wool fibres have a beautifully soft, luxurious feel while remaining natural, renewable and biodegradable.
Merino wool is known for its softness, warmth and comfort. It can biodegrade in less than a year when disposed of in landfill, helping reduce long-term environmental impact.
Corriedale wool has a bold, textured quality, making it perfect for our thicker, statement-making yarns.
Is your wool ethically sourced?
Yes. Our wool is responsibly sourced and RWS-certified. The Responsible Wool Standard means farms are inspected against animal welfare, land management and working environment requirements, including standards around no mulesing.
The dye used in the wool is OEKO-TEX 100-certified, meaning it is tested for harmful substances and meets safety standards.
Do you stock Irish yarn?
Yes, we stock selected Irish yarn alongside our Hope Macaulay wool collections. These yarns celebrate beautiful fibres, thoughtful sourcing and local craft.
What is hand-spun wool?
Our hand-spun fibres are spun by local artisans in Northern Ireland. Each batch has its own character, with beautiful texture, colour and natural variation.
Because hand-spun fibres are made in small batches, slight differences in colour, thickness and texture are part of their charm.
Shop the look
What is zero-waste yarn?
Our zero-waste yarns are made using leftover Hope Macaulay fibres and materials, giving them a new life in colourful, creative yarns.
Each batch may vary slightly, helping reduce waste while creating something unique and playful. Only two of each colour have ever been made.
Will the colours look exactly like the photos?
We do our best to photograph our wool as accurately as possible. However, colours may vary slightly depending on your screen, lighting and natural dye-batch variation.
Hand-spun and small-batch yarns may also have slight differences in colour, texture and thickness, which makes each piece feel unique.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Each order is packed with love in our Northern Ireland studio and shipped within 2–5 working days.
Delivery times may vary depending on your location and chosen shipping method. Please see our Shipping page for more information.
What are your customer service hours?
Our customer care team is available Monday to Friday.
Please allow 1–2 working days for a response.
Email: customercare@hopemacaulay.com
What is your returns policy?
Please see our Shipping and Returns page for full details on returns and delivery information.
Need help choosing?
We recommend starting with a beginner kit first. If you need any extra help, feel free to email us at customercare@hopemacaulay.com and we’ll be happy to help.