Knitting a Revolution

Amit Thapar (left) and Dr Ravinder Verma

Is a revolution in hand-knitting, with a whole new generation of needle hobbyists churning out novel yarn patters on the cards? A Ludhiana-based acrylic and wool yarn manufacturing giant thinks so, and is ready to blow the dust off his folksy skill and lend it bright hues of comfort and style.

Ganga Acrowools Limited, a leading acrylic yarn exporter in the country, barged into this territory last year, with a campaign titled ‘Knitting Happiness’. Under this, the company launched an array of designer yarns with to-do-instructions for people to indulge in some quirky needle crafting. To create not only trendy scarves and sweaters, but also whimsical objects like toys (birds, animals), bells, hand bands, wall hangings, bags, purses, pencil caps and so on.

This special ‘designer’ yarn is manufactured using a special printing technology imported from Italy that lends multi-hues and textures to the yarn. Supplied mainly in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Punjab, Delhi, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the product has received a great response, says the company, while claiming to be the only player in this area so far.

The idea, says the owner, comes from places like Europe and the US where knitting as a distinguished craft has been immensely popular for over a decade now. “Knitting is big abroad. It reigns over the lifestyle pages in glossy magazines and has spurred social circles dedicated to it. Women and even men are transforming this homely hobby into a fashion pursuit. 

Multi-coloured yarn by the company

A slew of people are posting their artfully crafted yarn patterns on blogs that are readily lapped up by thousand of fans,” says Dr Ravinder Verma, the Managing Director of the 13-year-old acro-wool unit. “I wish to emulate the concept in India where knitting can serve great as a pastime, for creative satisfaction and even socializing,” he adds.

It is for this reason that the company intends to open a ‘knitting café’ and eventually a knitting school in the city. Informs Amit Thapar, Commercial President, “We want to see the café in place within two years, where a dedicated space for needle-wielding artists can create artful pieces while enjoying a cup of coffee. A knitting school is in the pipeline too, where the new generation will be introduced to this neglected domestic art. We wish to make it an insignia of style, and wish to barge into the social circles of women,” he adds.