The women behind the knit

A craft built on skill, flexibility, and trust

Every woman who joins these knitting co-ops comes with a strong foundation in knitting, often passed down through generations, local communities, and then strengthened through collaboration in the co-ops themselves. Training is hands-on and peer-led, offering shared knowledge and growth. 

The women work a 42-hour week - around seven hours a day across Nepal’s six-day work week, though many choose not to work full time. Flexibility is an important part of the co-ops and knitters can collect yarn from the factory and work from home or, often, alongside their knitting circles, gathering in each other’s homes while their children are at school or playing nearby. 

Depending on the complexity of the pattern, it can take around three hours to knit a single hat. The women are paid hourly and earn a living wage, offering them financial independence. 

Beyond income, knitting provides something just as important - relief from mental stress, a sense of purpose, and connection. The knitting circles offer community, mutual support, and financial independence, especially for women who might not otherwise be able to work outside the home. 

Meet the women behind the work

Today, there are 18 full-time staff working within the factory and co-ops, with that number growing to 300–400 knitters during peak autumn and winter production. Many of these women have been employed here for more than a decade, the longest-serving knitter having worked with the company for over 20 years.

Ram Laxmi Shilpakar 

Ram has been working at the co-op for over 10 years and learnt to knit from the people in her locality before learning more skills from colleagues at work. She says that working at the co-op has helped her to gain valuable knowledge and confidence in her ability to learn new skills.  

With the experience she has gained over the years, she aspires to grow further and work independently. She enjoys her job because her manager is very motivating and her colleagues have become close friends that help her to grow and bring positivity to her work life. She also values the supportive work environment that allows her to make money instead of staying at home all of the time. 

Rita Mulguthi 

Rita has been working at the co-op for over 15 years, having learnt to knit from her mother and from her colleagues at work – building skills over the years. Working at the co-op has helped her to achieve financial independence while still being able to be present with her family. The income she earns allows her to share financial responsibilities with her husband which gives her confidence and peace of mind that she helps contribute to her family’s needs. 

She enjoys the work as it is less labour-intensive and she says this makes it easier to balance household responsibilities alongside her job. She also says that the flexibility of the role and the option to work from home is especially important to her. 

Laxmi Bati

Laxmi has been working at the co-op for over 20 years. During this time, she has learned how to knit hats and woollen products from hands-on experience and her colleagues at work. 

She continues to work at the co-op because it helps uplift her livelihood and supports her family’s needs, including her children’s education. She says she enjoys her job as it allows her to earn a steady income while managing stress, especially when working alongside her teammates in the factory, which keeps her motivated and engaged. 

Worn with purpose

Every Sherpa knitted hat represents the skill, time, and dedication of the women who make them. By choosing one, you’re supporting meaningful work, financial independence, and a craft that has been passed down through generations.

Explore the knitted hats below and discover the pieces created by the women behind the knit.