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A tour of Barrie Knitwear in Scotland

A tour of Barrie Knitwear in Scotland

Fashion / 5 Dec 2012

Chanel recently added Barrie knitwear to its Paraffection family in October. The Hawick-based cashmere business has been an integral part of Chanel's knitwear output, producing the yarns for the likes of its iconic two-tone cardigans

Chanel recently added Barrie knitwear to its Paraffection family in October. The Hawick-based cashmere business has been an integral part of Chanel's knitwear output, producing the yarns for the likes of its iconic two-tone cardigans

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Wallpaper's visit to the knitwear manufacturers was well-timed, as they were in the middle of production for one of the classic Chanel cardigans for the brand's Spring collection

Wallpaper's visit to the knitwear manufacturers was well-timed, as they were in the middle of production for one of the classic Chanel cardigans for the brand's Spring collection

The highly-skilled factory workers in action

The highly-skilled factory workers in action

An archive photograph of Barrie Knitwear. The business was established at the turn of the 20th century, when two local entrepreneurs Walter Barrie and Robert Kersel opened a factory in Hawick with the aim of manufacturing fine knitted hose and underwear

An archive photograph of Barrie Knitwear. The business was established at the turn of the 20th century, when two local entrepreneurs Walter Barrie and Robert Kersel opened a factory in Hawick with the aim of manufacturing fine knitted hose and underwear

The business was established at the turn of the 20th century, when two local entrepreneurs Walter Barrie and Robert Kersel opened a factory in Hawick with the aim of manufacturing fine knitted hose and underwear

The business was established at the turn of the 20th century, when two local entrepreneurs Walter Barrie and Robert Kersel opened a factory in Hawick with the aim of manufacturing fine knitted hose and underwear

A kaleidoscope of colourful threads

A kaleidoscope of colourful threads

As well as its production for Chanel, Barrie Knitwear also manufactures high quality cashmere for other couture houses. Chanel's acquisition of the company will not affect Barrie's partnerships with these other luxury brands

As well as its production for Chanel, Barrie Knitwear also manufactures high quality cashmere for other couture houses. Chanel's acquisition of the company will not affect Barrie's partnerships with these other luxury brands

The hand-work process that goes into the making of a piece of knitwear is incredibly intricate

The hand-work process that goes into the making of a piece of knitwear is incredibly intricate

Situated in the Scottish Borders, the Hawick-based cashmere business has long been an integral part of Chanel's knitwear output

Situated in the Scottish Borders, the Hawick-based cashmere business has long been an integral part of Chanel's knitwear output

The Bently Cotton, described as 'a priceless piece of machinery' by Chanel fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky

The Bently Cotton, described as 'a priceless piece of machinery' by Chanel fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky

Machine work in progress on the Bentley

Machine work in progress on the Bentley

The all important washing stage, which purportly softens the cashmere and rids it of chemicals. There are standard timings, but the garment is constantly checked by experienced hands, which can tell if a specific product needs more or less time in the washing machine

The all important washing stage, which purportly softens the cashmere and rids it of chemicals. There are standard timings, but the garment is constantly checked by experienced hands, which can tell if a specific product needs more or less time in the washing machine

A technician checks the cardigan over after the washing stage...

A technician checks the cardigan over after the washing stage...

... testing stringently for any imperfections in either size or quality after a wash

... testing stringently for any imperfections in either size or quality after a wash

A technician gives the Chanel cardigan a final press

A technician gives the Chanel cardigan a final press

Another employee checks the measurements and details of the finished creation. Production quantities vary across the different products, but there would be approximately 1600 cardigans made in this particular style

Another employee checks the measurements and details of the finished creation. Production quantities vary across the different products, but there would be approximately 1600 cardigans made in this particular style

Traditional expertise and craftsmanship are very much at the fore of Barrie Knitwear

Traditional expertise and craftsmanship are very much at the fore of Barrie Knitwear

The hand-cutting of v-neck cardigans requires great skill, requiring years of training before a first cut is attempted

The hand-cutting of v-neck cardigans requires great skill, requiring years of training before a first cut is attempted

Shelves full of threads

Shelves full of threads

A tool designed for the measuring of button spacing

A tool designed for the measuring of button spacing

Chanel's acquisition of the Scottish artisan house secures the jobs of its 176 employees

Chanel's acquisition of the Scottish artisan house secures the jobs of its 176 employees

The snowy landscape outside the Barrie Knitwear factory

The snowy landscape outside the Barrie Knitwear factory

A Chanel label completes the finished cardigan

A Chanel label completes the finished cardigan

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