Tom Daley’s love of knitting has become just as well known as his prowess in the pool, and now the diver’s knit kits have hit the high street for the first time.
The Plymouth-born gold medal Olympian, 27, who was frequently seen by the poolside with needles in hand at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, has now brought his Made With Love sets to John Lewis.
Costing from £35, they contain merino wool, needles a knitting manual, a pattern and other essentials such as a darning needle.
The diver’s knit kits have been designed to inspire to people to pick up a new hobby and relax into the calming practice of knitting.
Tom’s Flaming Elvis Flamingo Kits are available in either crotchet or knit, both priced at £95
Tom who was seen knitting whilst in the stands at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, which took place in summer 2021 because of the pandemic, quickly became an internet sensation, encouraging fans to pick up their knitting needles.
He later revealed he was making a sweater for his dog in the photo of him knitting in the stands that went viral.
The British diver started sharing his sharing his needlework on his Instagram page, Made With Love – now the name of his brand before the games took place in August 2021.
He commented that knitting was ‘keeping him sane’ during his training.
Made With Love by Tom Daley Thread The Love Blanket Knitting Kit, £145 – £220
Made With Love by Tom Daley Winter Warmer Hat Knitting Kits in Aquatic Blue, Olive Twist and Tokyo Blue, priced at £35
After he and diving partner Matty Lee triumphed in the 10m synchronised platform event on July 26, Tom revealed he had knitted an emotional keepsake to forever remind him of his first gold medal at Tokyo 2020 – a customised gold medal pouch.
In honour of his pivotal moment at the games, Tom took to his knitting and crocheting Instagram page to reveal the medal pouch, which bears the Union Jack on one side and the Japanese flag on the other.
He posted a video of the pouch, saying: ‘One thing that has kept me sane throughout this process is my love for knitting and crocheting
Tom said that knitting helped keep him ‘sane’ whilst training for the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020
Tom previously spoke about the cathartic effect knitting has on his mindset during competitions, saying: ‘When we went to Japan for the test event I actually took my knitting with me and was doing it during my competition because sometimes there’s 45 minutes in between each dive so I’d sit there and knit and just take my mind off e competition completely. I’m obsessed!’
Tom launched his range Made With Love, in November 2021, after winning gold in the 10m synchro at the Olympic games.
The launch collection, 1896, was named in honour of the first modern Olympic games and used biodegradable and renewable pure wool.
Made With Love by Tom Daley Scarf Out Loud Knitting Kit, £70
From hats to vest, the full Made With Love collection will be available from the department store, in-store and online.
The kits come with everything you need to recreate Daley’s flamingo jumpers, on-trend sweater vests, cosy beanies and stylish blankets.
Tom’s Thread The Love Blanket has already sold out on John Lewis.
According to John Lewis, knitting has surged in popularity with sales up 32 per cent in comparison to the same time last year.
Prices start from £35 for a hat to £145 for the Thread The Love blanket.
The 14 kits are now available on johnlewis.com.
Made With Love by Tom Daley Fluffy Flamingo Jumper, £125-£165 (left) and Made With Love by Tom Daley Flamin-GO Jumper, £125-£165 (right)
Made With Love by Tom Daley Cheer Scarf Knitting Kits in Olive and Blue, priced at £80 each
Made With Love by Tom Daley Bubble Cardigan Knitting Kit, £114-£145
Made With Love by Tom Daley Admire Vest Knitting Kit, £80-£90 and Made With Love by Tom Daley Rainbow Admire Vest Knitting Kit, £90-£100
Made With Love by Tom Daley Cuddle Cardigan Knitting Kit, £125-£155