Top 10 Best Textile Manufacturers in Erewash

A Rich Textile Heritage

Textiles shaped the towns of Erewash. In the nineteenth century, Long Eaton became a major centre for machine-made lace, and its grand red-brick lace factories still line the Erewash Canal and the streets of the town centre. Ilkeston developed a thriving hosiery and lace trade of its own, providing work for generations of families. The invention of the bobbinet lace machine by John Heathcoat in nearby Loughborough helped put the region at the centre of the global lace industry.

Although much mass production moved overseas in the late twentieth century, the East Midlands retains a strong community of specialist textile makers. Many focus on quality, heritage craftsmanship and technical fabrics, serving luxury fashion houses, interior designers and industrial customers.

Why the Local Textile Industry Still Matters

• Heritage craftsmanship: Skills passed down through generations remain highly valued.
• Quality and traceability: British-made textiles appeal to brands seeking transparent supply chains.
• Support for upholstery: Long Eaton's furniture industry relies on high-quality fabrics.
• Sustainability: Local manufacturing reduces transport emissions and supports circular design.

The Top 10 Textile Manufacturers Connected to Erewash

1. Cluny Lace

Cluny Lace, based in Ilkeston, is one of the very few remaining manufacturers of traditional Leavers lace in the world. Operating historic machines, the company produces intricate lace for fashion, bridal wear and costume design, and is a living link to the borough's textile past.

2. John Smedley

John Smedley has produced fine knitwear at Lea Mills in Derbyshire for more than two centuries, making it one of the oldest manufacturing businesses in the world. Its sea island cotton and merino wool garments are sold internationally and symbolise the best of Derbyshire craftsmanship.

3. Pretty Polly

Pretty Polly is one of Britain's most famous hosiery brands, with roots in Nottinghamshire. Its long association with the East Midlands hosiery industry reflects the region's expertise in fine knitted fabrics.

4. Charnos

Charnos was historically based in Ilkeston and became a well-known name in hosiery and lingerie. Its story illustrates the importance of the hosiery trade to the town and the enduring reputation of Erewash-made textiles.

5. Wolsey

Wolsey, founded in Leicester in the eighteenth century, is among the oldest clothing brands in the world. Known for knitwear, underwear and socks, it is part of the East Midlands' deep knitting heritage.

6. Heathcoat Fabrics

Heathcoat Fabrics traces its origins to John Heathcoat, whose lace-making invention transformed the East Midlands industry. Today the company produces technical textiles for parachutes, aerospace, automotive and industrial uses.

7. Morton Young & Borland

Morton Young & Borland is a historic lace and madras weaver using traditional Nottingham lace curtain machines. Its lace is used by interior designers worldwide and demonstrates how East Midlands lace technology continues to be valued.

8. Camira Fabrics

Camira Fabrics is a leading British manufacturer of upholstery and contract textiles. Its durable, sustainable fabrics are used by furniture makers, including many in the Long Eaton upholstery cluster.

9. English Fine Cottons

English Fine Cottons revived cotton spinning in the UK with a state-of-the-art mill in Greater Manchester. It supplies premium British cotton yarns to brands seeking genuinely local supply chains.

10. A.W. Hainsworth

A.W. Hainsworth is a historic woollen mill producing fine cloth for ceremonial uniforms, interiors and technical applications. Its commitment to quality and heritage makes it a respected name across the British textile industry.

Trends in British Textile Manufacturing

Sustainability is transforming the textile sector. Brands are demanding recycled fibres, lower-impact dyeing and full traceability from fibre to finished product. British manufacturers are well placed to meet these requirements because shorter supply chains make transparency easier.

Technical textiles are another growth area. Fabrics for medical, aerospace, defence and automotive applications require precision engineering and advanced materials, playing to the strengths of the region's engineering and textile heritage. Digital printing and automated knitting are also helping smaller manufacturers produce short runs and bespoke designs profitably.

In Erewash, the conversion of former lace mills into offices, workshops and homes reflects a changing landscape, yet heritage projects and specialist makers continue to keep the borough's textile identity alive.

How to Choose a Textile Manufacturing Partner

Consider minimum order quantities, lead times, technical capabilities and certifications for sustainability and quality. Visiting a manufacturer to see its processes can build confidence. For heritage or luxury projects, look for makers with proven craftsmanship; for technical uses, prioritise testing capabilities and industry standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lace still made in Erewash?

Yes. Ilkeston remains home to one of the few manufacturers in the world still producing traditional Leavers lace on historic machines, keeping a centuries-old craft alive in the borough.

Why were Long Eaton's lace factories so large?

Leavers lace machines were enormous and heavy, so factories were built with wide floors, tall windows for natural light and strong structures. Many of these buildings now house upholstery workshops, offices and homes.

Can small brands work with British textile manufacturers?

Many specialist makers accept smaller runs, especially for premium or bespoke products. Minimum order quantities vary, so it is worth discussing requirements early in the design process.

Conclusion

Erewash's textile legacy is woven into the fabric of its towns. From the rare Leavers lace still made in Ilkeston to the premium knitwear and technical fabrics produced across the region, the manufacturers above show that British textiles continue to thrive through quality, innovation and heritage.