World Cup scarves a 'pinch-me moment' for designer

The founder of a West Yorkshire design studio has said it is "incredibly special" his football scarves will be seen by millions of fans at the FIFA World Cup.

Hand Drawn Pixels, launched in Otley by Tom Pitts, has produced almost 200 official World Cup scarf designs after being selected for one of the tournament's biggest merchandise projects.

It is a collaboration between Pitts and his neighbour Global Scarves at Wharfebank Mills, which he said was formed over a cup of tea in a shared kitchen.

He said: "It's an absolute pinch-me moment. If you'd told me a few years ago that a studio in Otley would be designing official merchandise for the World Cup, I'd never have believed you."

The scarves, that were manufactured in Turkey, will be sold through official FIFA stores, at fan festivals and at stadium retail outlets across the United States, Canada and Mexico during the tournament.

"When the camera pans across the crowd in the stadium and I see my scarves, my designs out there, it's absolutely phenomenal," Pitts said.

"Essentially, it's a piece of art that someone can take home, it's a bit of memorabilia and to me it's just the best thing.

"These could be hung up on people's houses, living rooms, bedrooms for years to come."

Pitts said the England scarf was one of his favourite designs - based on the 1990s kit with what he described as a "bit of a nod" to the current home and away kits.

After visiting the Otley studio, Katie White, MP for Leeds North West, was so impressed by the project that she took one of the England scarves to Westminster where it was presented to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former England goalkeeper David Seaman.

The Labour MP said it was one of the stories that made her "incredibly proud" of the area.

"Tom has taken a business built in Otley and turned it into a success story on the world stage," White said.

"The designs are absolutely amazing, the depth, the stories behind each and every one of them is just fantastic.

"The biggest sporting event in the world and every scarf will have been designed in Otley, I'm so proud that it comes out of an ex-textile mill, there's a beautiful full-story element to that."

Meanwhile Sir Keir said: "Tom's journey from having a small studio in Otley to designing official merchandise for the World Cup is nothing short of inspiring.

"It's a brilliant achievement and a great example of the creativity, talent and ambition found in businesses right across Yorkshire.

"Tom and his team should be very proud of what they've accomplished."

Alan Foster, founder and vice president of business development at Global Scarves, said: "It was crucial to find the right creative partner for this project who shared our passion and enthusiasm.

"As a third-generation textile producer, it was my personal mission to ensure that we worked with a designer who could bring to life the spirit and affinity that every football fan feels towards their scarf."

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