Women's Organic Cotton Ankle Socks Packs (Sets Of 3), a person wearing a pair of colourful patterned socks.

Catherine Tough

hackney, london

You could say that for Catherine, a future in knitting was inevitable. Catherine grew up in the Malvern Hills surrounded by the soundtrack of her mother’s various craft projects; whether that was the soft thrum of a spinning wheel in the lounge or the click of knitting needles each evening.

A child of the 80s, Catherine immersed herself in all things ‘fashion’ from a young age (‘The Clothes Show’ was the highlight of her week).

After many years of dreaming of making beautiful things, Catherine earned a place to study Textiles at the Royal College of Art where she developed her signature style; bold, playful and always made using the finest materials.

The story behind the business
Meet Catherine Tough

Catherine Tough graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1999, with the vision of turning heritage craft into playful, modern pieces that are a pleasure to wear and use. Inspired by nature, travel and colour, she and her team continue to make products to cherish.

Now we are one of the UK’s leading designer-makers; our products are found in many of the finest stores around the UK and the rest of the World. Our lovely patterned socks, woollen hats and scarves, lavender door stops, cushions and throws are widely coveted, and we're expanding our range all the time.

Catherine's passion for textiles began when she was still at school, inspired by her mum's knitting skills (there was often a fleece in the lounge, a spinning wheel and lots of projects on the go) and, as a child of the 80’s, religiously watching The Clothes Show. She went on to study textiles at the Royal College of Art where she developed her signature style of bold, playful designs using beautiful materials.

Catherine and her dedicated team handcraft beautiful quality products for you and your home from the finest natural materials. By fusing traditional craft practices with contemporary, elegant design, we lovingly create pieces that you'll treasure. Manufacturing in the UK where possible has always been at the heart of the business; our mini factory at the studio in Hackney and a selection of highly skilled and knowledgeable manufacturers and suppliers now work together to produce our entire range.

Though she was brought up in the peace and quiet of the Malvern Hills, Catherine now lives in Hackney with her young family. Drawing inspiration from the chaotic mixture of urban sights and sounds around her, and combining them with a very English sense of style and whimsy to create individual and charming products that are luxurious and make you smile.

founder Credentials

  • Female Founded Business
Women's Lambswool & Sheepskin Slippers, a person wearing a pair of colourful slippers indoors.

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