Shuttle Knit was established by Wicklow Traveller's Group Limited (WTGL), a community development organisation founded in 1992, committed to securing human rights for Travellers and responding to the needs of Travellers in Co. Wicklow.  Through WTGL, Travellers identified the need for training, development and employment opportunities for Traveller women in the area.

Shuttle Knit Ltd. is a stand alone enterprise established in 2001 and is funded under the Community Services Programme (formerly Social Economy Programme).  It is a partnership business between Travellers and settled people and is committed to creating a working environment in which all the workers are respected and treated equally.

The goals of Shuttle Knit are:

1)   To carry on the business of weaving and hand knitting having particular regard to the employment needs of the Traveller Community.

 2)    To address social exclusion and inadequacies experienced by members of the Traveller Community and to promote business enterprise and partnership generally between the settled community and the Traveller Community.

 Shuttle Knit Ltd., is a not for profit enterprise and any income earned by the enterprise is re-invested in the business for its development.  The enterprise employs six people which includes one manager, four full-time and one part-time members of staff.   The enterprise also has a fully trained weaver who is contracted on a part-time basis to train and develop all staff.  Shuttle Knit produces a range of products such as: ladies knitwear, ladies accessories, knitted and woven scarves and woven throws.  

In 2006 the department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, assumed responsibility of implementing the Community Services Programme which is administered by POBAL. 

Innovative and new designs are produced each season to ensure Shuttle Knit has a competitive edge within the knitting and weaving industry.  Our work is showcased at National Craft Fairs, retail outlets throughout Ireland and also from our premises in Wicklow Town.  All visitors are most welcome to come and view our products and see our operation in full production.

The company is very involved within the local community and now offers a complete and comprehensive range of digitized embroidery services for individual and commercial businesses. 

In 2008 Shuttle Knit was featured in a Russian Television Programme for Channel 5.  We also participated in a promotional feature for Show Case Ireland under the direction of Lisa Shawgi’s designs.  RTE's, Nationwide Programme featuring Lisa Shawgi designs, included Shuttle Knit as part of their feature. 

In April 2009 the company was asked by Wicklow Chamber of Commerce to provide products for the reopening of Wicklow's Historical Gaol.  Shuttle Knit will also participate at the forthcoming Fashion Breakthrough event which is organised by Lisa Shawgi where we will unveil our collection for Autumn 2009.

Shuttle Knit is actively involved in the County Wicklow Community Services Programme network and will be participating at the National Conference which is due to be held in Athlone on the 14/15 May 2009.