History of Cowichan Knits

The first garments of the First Nations Cowichan people were woven from the inner cedar bark and wool from mountain sheep. With the coming of the Hudson’s Bay Co. and the early settlers, came the sheep, from which these pioneers had a necessity to spin, knit and weave their own clothing. The art was passed on to their neighbors, the First Nations people. Today, a Cowichan knitted garment is still made from the raw wool of the sheep. This wool contains much of its original lanolin, making it rain resistant, much longer wearing and superior to factory processed wool. This wool is not dyed, it is the natural wool of the white sheep, grey sheep and the black sheep. Because the black sheep is only black for two or three years, it then goes browner each year until it could reach a very beautiful rust shade, in a very old sheep. Some very interesting color schemes are produced. Because the Pacific Northwest climate in the winter is very damp, a Cowichan sweater or knit is an ideal garment. It gives a person cozy protection from the weather for hours!

Caring for your Cowichan Knits

Use lukewarm water, just a little cooler than your hand, to which a small amount of wool soap or minute amount of detergent has been added; mix well. If too much soap or detergent is used, you will wash out the lanolin that makes your knit waterproof. Gently and quickly squeeze the water through the soiled parts of the knit. Rinse in two or three waters of the same temperature as above. Squeeze out water, roll quickly in bath towels to eliminate as much water as possible, stretch into shape, lay onto a rack to dry. Your knit should come out like new as it was washed after knitting, which should have eliminated any chance of shrinkage.

Buy Cowichan knits

Emily Sawyer-Smith

We buy our knit hats, helmets, mittens and scarves direct from Emily and her family.

Emily Sawyer-Smith was born on April 25, 1954 in Koksilah, British Columbia where she has lived for the past 15 years. Emily is a member of the Tsartlip band of Cowichan tribes on the West Saanich Reserve. She comes from a large Coast Salish family with seven sisters and six brothers. She was taught to knit when she was eleven years old by her mother, Kay Smith. She enjoys knitting and is respectful of the traditions involved. She was so happy when her three daughters all took up the craft and she taught them all. She is now thrilled to be teaching her eldest granddaughter how to knit and the assurance the traditions will continue. One aspect of this tradition involves the designs, which are passed from one generation to the next and are rarely taught to anyone outside the immediate family. Emily’s favorite designs are eagle, bear and whale.