Crafted Columns
a Róhe Frames commission
“One yarn forms loops, and thus a new whole.”
Crafted Columns is a hand-crafted textile installation exploring the fundamental principles of fibre manipulation. Inspired by the concept of knitting – where "one yarn forms loops, and thus a new whole" – this work reveals the beauty and versatility of simple threads.
The project, commissioned by Róhe Frames for their pop-up gallery during Amsterdam Fashion Week 2022, consists of three imposing black columns. Each column, while handcrafted from natural fibres, showcases a unique textile identity through variations in shape, volume, texture, and technique, highlighting the potential of material handling.
The original commissioned installation marked the beginning of the Crafted Columns collection, which has since developed into a growing body of work. The columns now grace several public and private sites and can be made on demand for custom projects.
You can also check the shop or email us for available pieces.
Concept and Elemental Craftsmanship
This installation focuses on the elemental level of textile crafts. I explored the many possibilities in which a single yarn can be manually manipulated to create a new form, zooming in on the basic principle of interlinking stitches.
The result is a family of three columns, all inspired by knitting principles and meticulously handcrafted from black, natural fibres and materials. Together, the hundreds of hand-twisted, -twined, and -braided ropes form an imposing collective.
Up close, the human touch and the different textures become apparent, creating depth and character within the intriguing black palette.
The Three Column Identities
The installation’s power lies in the contrasts and nuances between the three pieces, each named after a knitting stitch:
‘Garter’: The slimmest column, formed by braided ropes that in groups of 4 loop into an elegant pattern. This structure is held in place by charred wooden beams, treated with the traditional Yakisugi technique. Its name refers to the garter stitch, emphasising the visible loops or ‘bumps’ in knitting.
‘Tuck’: The second column features slender, twisted cords adorned with alternating shiny and matte wooden beads, also treated with Yakisugi, which provides a subtle silver shimmer. Named after the tuck stitch, the construction creates a 3D effect by gathering loops around one needle.
‘Twist’: The largest column, made of twisted and twined yarns and ropes in various shapes and sizes, creates an engaging play of length, texture, and tactility. Differences in rope tightness are highlighted by swirl-like beads and tassels, adding dynamic volume. It is named after the twist stitch, which twists loops to create effects such as cables in fabric.
Context and Collaboration
Crafted Columns started as a commissioned work for Róhe Frames, serving as the center point in their immersive pop-up gallery and showroom during Amsterdam Fashion Week 2022.
Róhe Frames featured the installation in their experiential exhibition, a world where craftsmanship and collaboration meet, presented alongside their new FRAME 02 collection. The exhibition successfully told the story of a conscious and multidisciplinary approach to design.
Specifications
Commissioned by: Róhe Frames
Location: Pop-up Gallery, Amsterdam Fashion Week 2022
Materials: Wool, Cotton, Linen, Wood, Steel
Dimensions: (different dimensions available on demand)
‘Twist’ Column: H 2700 x Ø 1600 mm
‘Tuck’ Column: H 2700 x Ø 1000 mm
‘Garter’ Column: H 2500 x Ø 750 mm
Crafted Columns at Harvy Nichols London