John Arbon Textiles
About John Arbon Textiles
John Arbon Textiles is an independent micro business making yarns and fibre tops in their small-scale worsted spinning mill in North Devon – one of only a handful still operating in the UK. They source fibre locally or through trusted suppliers in the Falklands and worldwide.
The Mill – Founded in 2001
Founded in 2001, the mill is strongly focused on tradition and built on a simple concept: a return to old-style textile manufacture by sustainably sourcing raw fibre locally wherever possible and converting it in the UK into high quality tops and yarns, rather than chasing the cheapest available labour.
John Arbon Textiles uses predominantly vintage machinery that has been lovingly restored and maintained to create wonderful artisan goods using a hands on approach to production. All machines have been painstakingly collected and rescued from old traditional mills as they closed down, each one named to reflect their quirks as they become part of the family.
The Machines
There is always a clamour and whir of machinery emanating from the mill. The rhythmic movements of the vintage machines are hypnotic, and every day the mill is alive with the buzz of creativity.
The process begins with scouring, carding, combing, and dyeing (all done off-site in the UK). Once the dyed fibre arrives at the mill, it goes to one of three gill boxes Cuthbert, Ralph, and A2D2 which straighten and align the fibre using pins similar to a hairbrush. Each batch travels through the gill boxes a minimum of three times, becoming more even, drapey, and lustrous with every pass.
Next, the beautifully aligned fibre tops move onto the spinning machines: Butler, an old and steadfast sample spinner, and Kevin, a 1980s French double drafting ring spinner and the largest machine at the mill. Once spun, the singles rest for a week while the fibres relax into their new configuration – spinning yarn is not a process to be rushed!
When resting is complete, the singles are coned on either Rupert Lee or Gino (the Italian cone winder) and then plied on Mr. Boyd (the stately folding machine). Finally, the yarn is skeined on one of the Bradford skein winders – Gillian and Piglet, both vintage Victorian cast iron and wood construction, still going strong after many decades of hard work.
Design & Inspiration
All yarn and tops ranges are blended and designed by the folk at the mill, inspired by the natural world around them or their interests in art, music, and nostalgia. Every handcrafted item has its story, and so too does every skein of yarn and bump of tops made at John Arbon Textiles.
Why We Stock John Arbon Textiles
We're proud to carry John Arbon Textiles because their yarns embody everything we value: exceptional quality, rich heritage, and a genuine connection to the land and animals that produce these beautiful fibres. The hours of work and skill that go into producing each range are reflected in the dedication of knitters, spinners, and crocheters during their intricate journey from beginning to finished garment both are a harmony of tradition and creativity.
Whether you're knitting a treasured heirloom or a cosy everyday favourite, John Arbon yarns bring warmth, character, and a touch of the North Devon countryside to your projects.