Manos del Uruguay

Manos del Uruguay is a Uruguayan non-profit founded in 1968 that is owned by rural artisan cooperatives. It makes hand-spun and hand-dyed wool yarns, knitwear and accessories, sold domestically and exported to fashion brands abroad.

What is Manos del Uruguay?

Manos del Uruguay is a non-profit civil association founded in 1968 by five women. Its central office in Montevideo is owned by 12 independent rural cooperatives, mostly in the interior of the country, each of which elects representatives to an annual assembly that chooses the board.

Products and positioning

The cooperatives spin, dye and knit, while the central office handles design, quality control and logistics. Products include wool yarns, garments and accessories, plus yarns and patterns for hobby knitters. Each garment carries a handwritten label naming the artisan who made it.

Distribution

Most sales are exported. Manos produces for international labels including Gabriela Hearst, Chloé and Toast, which sell the pieces under their own names, and its hobby knitting products are sold in the United States, Europe and South America. At home it runs retail outlets that serve local customers and tourists.

• Member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2009
• Fair Trade terms applied across the business
• Dyes compliant with EU standards

Why it matters

Manos del Uruguay is a long-standing model of cooperative ownership in fashion supply, showing how artisan production can serve luxury and contemporary brands while keeping ownership with the makers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Manos del Uruguay?

Manos del Uruguay is a non-profit owned by rural artisan cooperatives that makes wool yarns, knitwear and accessories.

Which brands work with Manos del Uruguay?

Export clients include Gabriela Hearst, Chloé and Toast, which sell the pieces under their own labels.

All brands