TOM DALEY BECOMES WOOLMARK’S KNITTING AMBASSADOR

British Olympic champion diver Tom Daley is teaming up with Woolmark to take his passion for knitting to new heights. The diving champion-turned-entrepreneur will become Merino wool’s latest ambassador, celebrating the process from farm-to-yarn.

Daley first picked up knitting needles in 2020 to take his mind off the competition during the Tokyo Olympics. His poolside knitting made headlines across the world and so began his love affair with the wool fiber. Following the love and support he received from the knitting community, Daley founded Made With Love, a knitting and crocheting brand with a mission to inspire the next generation of crafters.

In his ambassadorial role, Daley will launch a collection of Woolmark-certified knit kits, including Merino wool yarns and knitting patterns, via Made With Love, in 2025.

“Knitting has formed such a huge part of my everyday life; it is what grounds me, keeps me mindful, and slows me down,” says Daley. “Knitting with wool is the epitome of that; the soft texture and amazing natural properties allow it to temperature regulate, making it the perfect fibre for quality garments and homewares designed to last generations.”

Keep an eye on the Made With Love and Woolmark channels for the exclusive drop in early 2025.

Knitting is good for your health

Knitters have long acknowledged that knitting is an excellent form of therapy. The repetition is meditative, and fuses function with therapy, improving the mental health and well-being of those who practice this ancient craft. A 2007 study conducted by Harvard Medical School’s Mind and Body Institute found that knitting lowers the heart rate by an average of 11 beats per minute and induces an ‘enhanced state of calm’.

Another study from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom also found that knitting has significant psychological and social benefits, which can contribute to well-being and quality of life – proof that knitting can make you happier. And when using super-soft Merino wool, nothing can make you warmer or cozier. After all, putting on a handmade Merino wool jumper or scarf is like a big warm hug.