What happens when Dutch and Indian makers join forces to tackle a shared problem? Warp Weft Wool brings designers and makers from the Netherlands and India together to repurpose local wool – which often ends up as waste – into a new destination.
In both the Netherlands and India, there is a surplus of local wool. While India, home to the third-largest sheep population in the world, increasingly uses imported wool, Dutch wool remains largely underutilized. Both countries have a rich tradition of textile and carpet production, but how can we breathe new life into these crafts?
Equal collaboration is at the heart of this project. We not only share knowledge but also learn from each other’s perspectives, working methods, and cultural backgrounds. This happens through open dialogue and by jointly experimenting with materials, techniques, and design. Dutch designers Rik van Veen and JAS&CAL collaborate with makers from the Raja Kilims cooperative in Rajasthan, India, and with the Textiel Factorij.
By working together both online and offline, we create samples and carpets that honor the material, cultural heritage, and makers alike. The products are showcased in both the Netherlands and India, and all insights gained are documented in the online archive on this website.
With Warp Weft Wool, we put the principle of translocality into practice: connecting local knowledge and craftsmanship to a global network. We rediscover traditional production techniques and encourage innovation rooted in heritage. This project demonstrates that craftsmanship is not only preserved but can also evolve through cultural exchange. In doing so, wool regains the appreciation it deserves, both locally and globally.
Read more below about JAS&CAL, Rik van Veen, Raja Kilims, and the Textiel Factorij.
