John Arbon Textiles
British spinning mill since 1797 – from raw fiber to finished yarn in a Devon mill.
What makes John Arbon Textiles special
John Arbon Textiles operates one of the oldest still active textile spinning mills in England. The mill in North Devon was founded in 1797 and continues to work with the goal of processing British wool locally and combining traditional spinning techniques with modern design.
The special thing about John Arbon: complete control over production. From raw fiber to finished yarn, everything is created in a single mill. This gives the yarns a unique character, shaped by the local wool, the spinning method, and the artisanal standards – not by mass production.
At BONIFAKTUR we offer three distinctive John Arbon Yarns: Knit by Numbers in two weights as well as Devonia, a yarn made from local Devon fibers.
An overview of the three Yarns
Knit by Numbers 4-ply
Knit by Numbers was a revolution: instead of poetic color names, John Arbon works with numbers. Over 100 shades in mathematically perfect gradation, from dark to light. The 4ply is the finest yarn in the series – ideal for socks, fine sweaters, and shawls that require precision and color clarity. The blend of Bluefaced Leicester and Falkland Merino creates sheen and softness in perfect balance.
Knit by Numbers DK
The same philosophical idea as the 4ply, but in DK weight for faster projects. Over 100 colors, each in 6 shades, all named after their mathematical position in the spectrum. Perfect for sweaters, cardigans, and hats where the stitch definition should be clear and the color precise.
Devonia 4-ply
The first yarn from John Arbon made exclusively from local Devon fibers – a love letter to the homeland. Three sheep breeds from the Exmoor region and the southwest English landscape combine to create a yarn with sheen, drape, and woolly vitality. Named after Devonshire, the location of the spinning mill. Perfect for scarves, shawls, and finer projects that want to showcase texture.
What all John Arbon Yarns have in common
Not superwash – this is intentional. The yarns are washed by hand in cold water with mild soap. This gives them their natural, lively character and full softness. For knitters who can take the time for hand wash, John Arbon yarns are a worthwhile investment.
Traditional craftsmanship – all yarns are produced in the Devon mill on machines named Gillian and Chapman, restored veterans from long ago, lovingly cared for like family members.
British wool, local identity – each yarn has a story woven with the region where the sheep graze and the spinning mill operates.
Which John Arbon Yarn for which project?
For Socks, Shawls, and fine Sweaters: Knit by Numbers 4ply with its over 100 mathematically perfect shades. For faster projects in DK: Knit by Numbers DK. For special texture and drape: Devonia, the yarn from the home of the spinning mill.
Care
All John Arbon Yarns are not superwash. Hand Wash at 30°C or wool program: in cold or lukewarm water with mild soap. Do not rub, do not wring, dry flat. The natural wool remains elastic and retains its sheen.
Tip: After drying, the yarns can develop a beautiful Bloom – a fine, fluffy surface sheen that highlights the softness and character even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does John Arbon Textiles come from?
John Arbon Textiles is a British spinning mill from North Devon, England – founded in 1797. One of the oldest still active textile manufacturers in Great Britain. Everything – truly everything – is produced on site from the raw fiber to the finished yarn.
What does "Knit by Numbers" mean?
It is clarity instead of poetry. Instead of romantic names like "Sunset" or "Meadow," John Arbon works with numbers. Over 100 Colors, mathematically perfectly arranged from dark to light, in 6 gradations. You know exactly what you get. And the Colors are reproducible and precise.
Are John Arbon Yarns superwash?
No – and that is intentional. The yarns are washed by hand in cold water with mild soap, which gives them maximum softness and their natural, lively character. Superwash would destroy that. The yarns require Hand Wash, but in return, they unfold their full potential.
What is the difference between Knit by Numbers 4ply and DK?
Both are made from the same fiber blend (50% Bluefaced Leicester, 50% Falkland Merino) and use the same color system. The difference lies in the weight: 4ply (400m/100g) is fine and elegant, ideal for Socks and Shawls. DK (250m/100g) is heavier and perfect for faster projects like Sweaters and hats.
What makes Devonia different?
Devonia is made exclusively from local Devon fibers (Exmoor Blueface, Westcountry Bluefaced Leicester, and Westcountry Lustre Breeds). It was the first yarn that John Arbon produced entirely locally. It has more sheen and drape than the Knit by Numbers yarns and a unique character range with fewer color shades (21 instead of 100+).
Discover all John Arbon Yarns
Knit by Numbers and Devonia – British craft tradition since 1797, from raw fiber to finished yarn.
To the John Arbon Assortment