‘Urban Yarns’ is presented by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as Lead Sponsor. The exhibition will be on view at DX design hub this autumn, from 12 September to 29 November 2025.
Urban Yarns: Weaving Hong Kong’s Textile Heritage into the Present
Curated by Betty Wong of Laws Knitters Studio, ‘Urban Yarns’ reconnects the city with its rich textile legacy via a tactile exhibition. Once a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy, the textile industry peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the city ranked as the world’s third-largest textile exporter. Despite that manufacturing shifted northward in the 1990s, and Hong Kong evolved into a global hub for finance, shipping, and trade, the craftsmanship of the textile industry remains valuable and worthy of preservation.
With warmth and intention, ‘Urban Yarns’ reinterprets this legacy for the modern era, using design as a bridge to thread past and present. Documenting the city’s shifting identity through pioneering textile works and interactive installations, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the fundamentals of knit design and even become co-creators as they engage with the textures, techniques, and stories woven into Hong Kong’s cultural fabric.
‘Urban Yarns’ is a reminder that inspiration is woven into our everyday lives: from the clothes we wear to the furnishings and accessories that surround us. By threading together history and innovation, the exhibition honours the legacy of local artisans while sparking new conversations about the role of design in shaping cultural identity.
Ms. Rainy Chan, Executive Director of Hong Kong Design Centre, said, ‘I would like to thank the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, along with our curatorial partner and participating collaborators, for bringing this meaningful exhibition to life. ‘Urban Yarns’ takes audiences on a remarkable journey back to the golden era of Hong Kong’s thriving textile industry, blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design to breathe new life into traditional culture. As a bridge connecting various sectors such as design, culture, and architecture, HKDC will continue to promote the development of the creative industries in Hong Kong.’
Ms. Betty Wong, Curator of ‘Urban Yarns’, said, ‘Recently, the city’s heritage crafts have been through a creative revival, with designers reimagining bamboo cages, ceremonial flower plaques, scaffolding and more through contemporary techniques. ‘Urban Yarns’ continues this momentum, revitalising our bountiful textile legacy for today’s generation. We are deeply grateful to HKDC for making this exhibition possible and for igniting a passion for knitting that will carry our craft confidently into the 21st century.’
Knitting Hong Kong’s Vibrant Culture into Art
At the heart of ‘Urban Yarns’ is a celebration of Hong Kong’s unique cultural identity, reimagined through the art of knitting. The exhibition features a series of artworks inspired by the city’s architecture, communities, and quotidian patterns.
A highlight is the Monster Building Series by Laws Knitters Studio, comprising 26 intricately knitted pieces that pay homage to Hong Kong’s unique buildings. Each artwork captures the essence of local life through a tangible, artistic lens, that asks visitors to get up close and feel the care put into every thread. The series also includes knitted recreations of vintage tile patterns, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s visual heritage. A large LED ceiling screen will showcase the design process behind each piece, allowing visitors to witness the transformation from concept to creation.
Another standout feature is Yarn Bombing@SSP, which brings the global trend of yarn bombing to Hong Kong’s historic textile district: Sham Shui Po. This installation gathers a collection of handmade ‘Summer Vegetables’ themed dolls, originally created by ethnic minority residents, teachers, and students from Sham Shui Po, that reflect the district’s lively streets and deep-rooted connection to textile craftsmanship.
Learning the Ropes: Reinvigorating the Craft of Knitting Today
Beyond showcasing artistry, ‘Urban Yarns’ is a hands-on invitation to rediscover the craft of knitting. This section of the exhibition highlights the work of visionary textile artists and may even spark newfound passions for yarn. Four interactive installations have been designed to demonstrate knitting design’s relevance to today’s world:
· The Billie System: Co-developed by Novetex and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), this cutting-edge technology transforms textile waste into new yarns for sustainable, circular fashion.
· Eco-Yarns: This touchable display features fabric samples made from daily waste, such as unwanted clothing, discarded fishing nets, and recycled plastic bottles. By getting to grips with these materials, visitors can understand the versatility of yarn, and how traditional crafts can tackle our current challenges.
· Knitting Methods: A showcase of 12 common knitting techniques, complete with samples that reveal the structure and texture of each method. This installation invites visitors to feel the intricacies of the craft and appreciate its technical beauty.
· Pattern Design: Visitors can step into the role of designer by creating their own knitting pattern charts. This interactive experience demystifies the design process, encouraging creative exploration.
Invest in Design: Community Art & Hand-crafted Goods
A truly expansive experience, ‘Urban Yarns’ calls for participation beyond observation. In a special collective art project, visitors are encouraged to twist knitted wires into the shapes of their favourite Hong Kong-style window grilles and attach them to a large, knitted mural of Garden Hill, celebrating the city’s architectural charm with locals and travellers alike.
