PATONS HISTORY

In 100 years of existence, Patons Australia has become one of the best‑known – and loved – hand knitting brands in Australia and New Zealand. Today, Patons Australia designs and manufactures in Victoria, Australia.

TASMANIAN BEGINNINGS

Patons Australia began in 1923, building the first mill in Launceston, Tasmania. Patons and Baldwins (as it was known) became a multi‑generational employer which produced top quality yarn for local and export markets.

ELEVATION OF AN ICON

Patons Totem Merino 8 ply was created in 1934. The creation of this iconic wool crepe-style yarn heralded a change in direction as quicker, warmer knits were desirable. Knitters and crochet workers enjoyed using this yarn to make items that would last a lifetime and be handed down through generations to come.

LARGEST COMMERCIAL MILL

At the peak of wool production in 1966, Patons employed more than 2000 workers at the Launceston factory and was Tasmania’s greatest employer of women. It was the largest commercial mill in the southern hemisphere.

A NEW CHAPTER

Following many changes throughout the past decades, 2018 saw family-owned Bendigo Woollen Mills purchase Patons Australia, securing the future of this iconic brand. With this purchase, the Australian Yarn Company was born and is now the home of Patons along with other well‑known brands including Heirloom, Cleckheaton, Shepherd and Panda.

FUTURE GROWTH

Manufacturing locally at both the Bendigo and Wangaratta Mills, Patons continues to focus on Australian‑made yarns. This supports Australian jobs and allows us to share the incredible wealth of skills and knowledge of our passionate and dedicated team with the hand‑crafters of Australia and New Zealand.

We look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary with you and take this opportunity to say thank you for every single project that you create with Patons yarns.