New Bedford Whaling Museum X Whalerknits Collaboration

New Bedford Whaling Museum X Whalerknits Limited Edition Collaboration

Some time in early September 2025, the New Bedford Whaling Museum  reached out to explore a collaboration with Whalerknits for the upcoming Moby Dick Marathon (MDM) held each January at the Museum and nearby Seaman’s Bethel.  If you’re not familiar with the MDM it’s a start-to-finish live reading of Herman Melville’s epic; the story not only begins in New Bedford, but features the Seamen’s Bethel prominently in the novel.

We were more than excited for the opportunity to work with the NBWM, a cultural cornerstone of New Bedford (and Whalerknits original home). In partnership with the Museum, we developed 3 pieces with limited edition labels highlighting the special relationship between maritime history, whaling’s historical significance to our area, and the inspired/informed design that’s sewn into every one of our garments. Our American-made Knitwear is made in house in Fall River, Massachusetts.

A Made in USA hat, sweater, and blanket made special for the event were worked up with limited edition labels for our collaboration. Each are proudly made from 100% cotton yarn and are guaranteed for life like all Whalerknits products.

• Our Docksider is a traditional folded cuff beanie.

• Our Wellfleet Rollneck in Navy is one of our classic best selling sweaters. 

• The Seedstitch Throw  is such a perfect blanket. Weighted, breathable, and pure cozy. 

The sudden popularity of these items reinforced what we already believed about the importance of the Museum, the MDM, and the Moby Dick novel itself to its home, New Bedford, MA. We held a photoshoot at the Museum and Seamen’s Bethel in preparation for the launch of the collaboration. Below are a few select shots.

Here are a few select shots courtesy of NBWM from the MDM. Read more about the event on the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s facebook page. 

A last minute addition to the collaboration came in form of a very special ISHMAEL sweater based on our Chatham Jersey Pullover sweater. The Museum has a very special limited run of these beautiful sweaters which were a big hit at the Marathon. 

Look for more to come in 2026 from NBWM X Whalerknits!