Cúpla Snáithe X Floral & Fred Irish Design Week Workshop

Does the future of textiles start with one thread?

Presented as part of Irish Design Week 2026 and its focus on regional innovation, Cúpla Snáithe invites designers, makers, and enthusiasts to explore material culture, history, and radical sustainability. In this immersive, collaborative workshop, we explore how Ireland’s native fibre ecosystem, historically dismantled by trade blocks and synthetics, can be reframed as a blueprint for modern, hyper-local production.

The 5% Philosophy & Hands-On Practice:

Discover our 5% philosophy, a clever design hack to bypass barriers. By utilising just 5% native Irish fibre in decorative stitching, structural darning, or statement details, you instantly inject cultural restoration into global garment workflows. This micro-intervention shows that eco-design doesn't require a total supply chain overhaul. It starts with small, intentional material choices. We will kick off with a visual journey tracing Irish textiles through a sharp design lens. Then, we shift into a hands-on, practical prototyping session.

The Collaboration: Cúpla Snáithe × Floral and Fred.

We are thrilled to partner with textile studio Floral and Fred for the practical segment of the event. Guided by their expertise, you will use a curated Cúpla Snáithe Material Kit filled with native Irish wool to prototype localised circular design solutions.

What You Need to Bring:

To fully participate in the hands-on circular design experience, please bring a garment from home to upcycle (such as an old jumper, jacket, or denim piece). You will leave the workshop with a refreshed, personalised piece of clothing that carries a physical link to Irish material heritage.