Makers Edition: Cashmere Socks
We are pleased to introduce Yu-Mei Huang, a London-based maker and textile designer who hand-knits our cashmere socks in quietly limited editions.
Can you walk us through your process of hand-knitting these socks—from fibre to finish?
Before production, there’s a lot of preparation work—testing yarns, knitting swatches, calculating patterns, and checking how the fabric behaves after washing. It’s a process of trial and error, going back and forth until we’re both happy with the result.
Once I begin production, I start by winding the yarns and giving my domestic knitting machine a thorough clean and oil. I then knit the pieces following the pattern of my final sample and hand-sew the seams together. It’s a slow and very detailed process but it looks better than machine linking. After knitting, the cashmere socks are washed gently in cold water, dried flat, and finally steamed to bring out the softness and shape.
Is there any part of the process that feels especially meditative or meaningful to you?
For me, both the knitting itself and the hand sewing are deeply therapeutic. There’s a rhythm to it that makes the process feel grounding and meditative. It’s in those quiet moments that I feel most connected to the material.
What’s your relationship to handwork, and how do you balance precision with intuition?
I believe the beauty of handmade work lies in its subtle variations, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. At the same time, there’s still a structure to follow: a pattern, a sequence, a rhythm that keeps the piece consistent. I always double check the sizing after washing and steaming to make sure each pair fits as intended. It’s a balance between trusting the process and allowing space for the human touch.
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LAST Yu-Mei Studio, 2025
What do you love most about working with undyed fibres?
Undyed fibres have a purity to them. The colours feel natural, the textures more honest, you can sense the material’s character without anything hiding it. There’s also a practical side: you don’t have to worry about colours bleeding in the wash. But what I love most is that you see the fibre as it truly is, in its original state, and that simplicity feels beautiful.
Do you think the absence of dye reveals more of the fibre’s story or character?
Absolutely, without dye, the fibre speaks for itself. You will notice the natural variations in shade, the softness, and even the way the surface reflects light. Those subtleties tell you something about where the fibre comes from and how it was made.
What was it like developing something so tactile and intimate with The Wren?
It felt very special to create something so close to the body. Socks are such intimate objects, they carry warmth and comfort in the everyday. Working with The Wren gave me the chance to approach them not just as something practical, but as something thoughtful and crafted with care.
How do you feel the socks reflect your own work or sensibility?
They carry the same values I hold in all my work: attention to material, respect for craftsmanship, and the desire to balance function with beauty. Even though socks are utilitarian, these ones hold a sense of intimacy and longevity, qualities I always hope to bring into my knitwear practice.
How did we come to connect—can you recall what drew you to The Wren, or what resonated?
It happened quite spontaneously. I first discovered The Wren on Instagram and was immediately drawn to the visuals and the story behind the brand. The very next day, I received an email from Virginia, the founder, inviting me to collaborate. It felt almost magical, as if it was meant to be. We had a video call soon after, and that’s how the journey began.
What was your initial response when we proposed the idea of a cashmere sock?
I loved it right away. I had always seen The Wren as a brand that creates thoughtful objects for the home, and the idea of making something so tactile and personal felt like a perfect extension of that vision. A cashmere sock felt both luxurious and grounding, something simple, yet filled with meaning.
. How do you hope people will feel when wearing one of your socks?
I hope they feel a sense of comfort and care, almost like receiving a warm hug. I want the socks to feel timeless, something that brings quiet joy in the everyday, but also carries the thoughtfulness and craftsmanship behind them. Most of all, I hope they remind people of the beauty of slowing down and cherishing the things they wear close.
