Charl Knitwear

Frankie Davies, founder of Charl Knitwear has been designing knitwear for top luxury brands and smaller independent labels for more than 20 years.

“Drawing on this experience, I felt compelled to create a knitwear brand which at its heart is about modern, pared back but ultimately wearable pieces, rooted in the celebration and evolution of heritage craftsmanship. Since the birth of my children I have felt an increased responsibility towards a more ethical and sustainable method of sourcing and production. I know from experience that both are possible if you really believe in them. “

“My background is in luxury fashion, having worked many years for heritage brand, Burberry. Across my International career I loved collaborating with knitters, experts and artisans alike, and I wanted to bring that knowledge together – to create a collection that allowed me to encompass all that I was passionate about.“

This is how Charl was born; a collection of knitwear crafted from certified British and Shetland wools, organic cottons and sustainable alpaca yarns.

The collection is knitted by carefully selected small-scale factories, one in Nottinghamshire and the other in Perugia, Italy.

“Carefully considered at every step and never rushed. My collections, I like to say are not ready, until they are ready. This is fashion at a slower pace, a kinder pace for the environment.  For you, it means that each piece and every detail is of the highest quality, ready to last and be loved for more than one lifetime.”

The collection is deeply rooted in the craftsmanship of the Norfolk Gansey jumpers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Traditionally knitted by the wives and daughters of fishermen, these jumpers were created on circular needles, featuring stitch patterns with evocative names like “seaweed,” “hailstones,” and “flower pot.” Functionality, durability, and immense pride in the finished pieces were the driving forces behind these designs—principles that continue to inspire the knitwear collection today.

The result is a timeless collection that aims to preserve both natural resources and cultural heritage, creating knitwear designed to be cherished for many years to come.

There’s a story to be found within every old, hand-knitted jumper. But it’s rare to find a real vintage one nowadays.

Mindful of this truth, I set out to preserve the stitches, constructions and shapes of the past by remodelling them into modern, pared back pieces so that their stories are not lost. Instead they are retold using new technologies and honest, sustainable fibres like British and Shetland wools, ready for a new generation of wearers to make their own.

My collection it rooted in the craftsmanship of the Norfolk Gansey jumpers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries which the fishermen’s wives and daughters knitted for their menfolk on circular needles using stitches with names like “seaweed”, “hailstones” and “flower pot”. Functionality, durability and an immense sense of pride in the finished jumpers were the motivation behind these pieces, as they are in my knitwear today.

The result is a timeless collection which at its core, strives to preserve our natural resources and heritage for future generations by creating knitwear to be treasured for many years to come.