When our founder, Jessica, launched Piglet in Bed in 2017, her focus was simple: to design a curated collection of beautiful, low-maintenance bedding, crafted from natural, responsibly sourced materials.
Fast forward to today, Piglet in Bed has grown far beyond its small beginnings. From a limited initial palette, we’ve expanded to offer an array of heritage patterns and bold designs across versatile fabrics, including 100% linen, 100% cotton, and our signature linen blend.
While we’ve evolved over the years, one constant has been our partnership with our incredible producer in Portugal. Since the very early days, they’ve helped bring our vision to life, crafting the vast majority of our bedding collections and bringing their unmatched expertise and artistry to every piece.
Portugal’s Rich Textile History
Portugal’s textile industry is steeped in tradition, with roots dating back to the 18th century. It began with the arrival of cotton from Brazil, then a Portuguese colony, and machinery imported from Britain. Production was initially focused around Lisbon, but it quickly spread to other regions, sparking economic growth across the country.
By the 19th century, Portugal began exploring linen production, importing flax fibers from Hamburg, Germany. The northern region – home to our production partner – became the centre for linen excellence, earning a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest linen textiles.
Made in Portugal
Our 100% linen bedding and signature linen blend bedding are all made by our partner in northern Portugal. Their family-run textile mill is set in a charming historic city, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and lush greenery. With a century of expertise, the mill has grown from two secondhand looms to a thriving business with 70 in action today.
The welcoming, light-filled factory is tucked into a quiet neighbourhood with olive and orange trees lining the streets, and a quaint church just around the corner. Even the dyeing process takes place just next door, at the family’s own yarn dyeing and finishing company.
Partners in Gingham
Our partnership with our Portuguese textile mill started in the early days of Piglet in Bed. Back then, we didn’t even have a company email, so Jessica reached out from her personal address! Amazingly, they replied, and from that first conversation, we knew it was a perfect match.
The very first bedding we made together was our now-iconic gingham pattern. With their relaxed yet expert approach, deep knowledge and shared vision, they’ve been key to bringing our unmistakably ‘Piglet’ designs to life.
They took a chance on us when we were just starting out, and over the years, our businesses have grown together, building a partnership rooted in trust, collaboration and a passion for quality craftsmanship.
Every season, our design team visits the mill to see our collections come to life on the looms. They’re greeted like old friends, and while the days are packed, there’s always time for a pastel de nata or a glass of vinho verde together.
Responsible Sourcing
Sustainability is woven into every step of the process. With a focus on innovation, research and ethical responsibility, our Portuguese partners create an environment where people love to work – many have spent their entire careers with the company. We regularly visit to ensure fair, safe working conditions are always a priority.
Every stage of production – from dyeing and weaving to cutting, sewing, and finishing – happens on-site. Our linen is made from European Flax® certified fibers, grown exclusively in France, Belgium and the Netherlands under strict environmental standards.
Likewise, our cotton is sourced through Better Cotton, the world’s leading sustainability initiative for cotton, providing accountability from field to finished product.
Our partner is also OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, guaranteeing that every part of our bedding – from fabric and threads to labels and trims – is free from harmful substances and safe for your home.
Dream Team
We’re so lucky to work with our partners in Portugal, who are passionate about creating high-quality, sustainable bedding. Craftsmanship and collaboration are at the core of every piece of Piglet in Bed bedding. We’re excited to keep this journey going and look forward to many more years of working together!
