Pachamama Knitwear

Pachamama began in 1990 when David Child and Cathy Stirland started trading goods from the Andean Mountains of South America, the inspiration for their name which translates as "Earth Mother" from Quechua the ancient language of the Incas. Since 1996 they began fairly trading handmade 100% wool clothing, accessories and homeware made in Nepal.


Since those early days Pachamama has developed strong and sustainable relationships with their suppliers based on mutual respect for all links in the chain of production - from sourcing and collecting raw materials to designing and marketing finished products. We have been loyal to our original philosophy on fair trade and have been working with some of the same producers for 20 years - ensuring continuous and solid economic and social growth for a large number of people. Pachamama is a proud member of BAFTS - the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers.


The majority of their production is village based, with our knitters supplementing their incomes from farming and fitting production around their own family and work commitments. A small number of people work in a factory environment to make hand framed knitting, to hand finish and pack our garments, and to produce a range of hand felted items. All these people work in excellent conditions and receive benefits and pay above the local standards.

Despite the seasonal nature of their business Pachamama is committed to providing year round orders for our knitters to ensure a regular and reliable income

What all their products have in common is that they are sustainable, ethical and made with great deal of patience, care and love. Pachamama is at the forefront of the slow fashion movement, as each item is designed for life and made to last.