New Zealand Fashion Museum is planning a new pop-up exhibition, KNIT: Original Fashion created from yarn.
This will be a warm and fun exhibition featuring numerous activations and workshops to participate in. Although it is called KNIT, it is not just about knitting and will also include crochet, macramé, weaving, and all the craft practices that use yarn to make clothing.
Mining New Zealand’s rich history and playing to a resurgence of interest in the handmade, KNIT: Original Fashion created from yarn will bring together examples of homemade fashion garments, the yarns, the knitting needles, crochet hooks, machines, and trimmings plus the fashion illustrations, photographs, newspaper and magazine articles and patterns that inspired earlier makers.
KNIT will also bring together contemporary materials and equipment to host workshops, crafting circles, repair sessions, and masterclasses, allowing participants to share some of the essential skills and knowledge necessary for crafting unique clothing.
NZFM hopes to uncover and bring together some of your special garments and their stories, providing an opportunity for all visitors to marvel at the creations on display and be inspired to extend the possibilities of knitting and crafting with yarn to create exciting new and original pieces.
For this exhibition, they aim to tap into the community's experience and skills, inviting people to volunteer as hosts to share their knowledge and offer an interested ear to visitors. They are also looking to recruit leaders for a hands-on public programme of workshops, drop-in activities, and expert sessions.
Lastly, NZFM is seeking materials to enhance the display and for the workshops, such as yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks, as well as fashion illustrations, photographs, newspaper and magazine articles, and patterns.
Over the duration of the exhibition, NZFM invites people to gather at the exhibition for a daily ‘yarning circle’, to work on something of their own, or to create a peggy square to contribute to our durational crafting project —a community blanket to be auctioned for charity.
Participants can contribute to this from anywhere in New Zealand or around the world by creating a square using any technique they prefer. Progress will be documented on social media channels, allowing them to see their contribution.
KNIT will take place over three weeks and four weekends, from the 8th to the 31st of August 2025, in the Strand Arcade, 227 Queen St, Auckland Central, and is timed to coincide with New Zealand Fashion Week, Kahuria.
On Thursday, the 21st of August, NZFM will also be hosting a makers' market and some fashion events as part of the Mid City Street Party.
