KnotAgain is co-owned by sisters, Hlah and Linnet Hloni. Using the ancient practice of macramé, KnotAgain creates artisanal products weaved from locally supplied cotton and recycled t-shirt yarn. We caught up with Hlah and Linnet to find out more about who they are, what they do, and what inspired their macramé business.
Tell us a bit about KnotAgain.
KnotAgain was birthed in 2015 when we noticed a gap in the market for this type of art. We always try and produce very unique products. All our products are handmade using knots, no two bags are identical. What makes our products stand out is their artistry and articulation. We always aim for perfection and uniqueness.
Why did you decide on macramé as opposed to weaving or crochet?
Hlah: I am a textile designer and my first experience with macramé was in high school when I learnt to do a knot. Years later, I came to a point in my life where I realised that I needed to pursue my passion for art. So, in 2013, I left my full-time job as an IT manager (web and graphic design) to focus all my energy on my art. My interest in macramé was reignited after seeing an image, on Google, of a macramé bag. From there, I started to create macramé plant hangers and sell them at the markets. These became very popular and then I decided to create bags. The macramé products were so well received that I decided to make this my full-time job. My sister Linnet, now co-owner of KnotAgain, joined me. At the time when I started the business, Linnet was studying and is now a qualified homeopath. As we worked together, we started coming up with different designs and before we knew it people were loving and ordering our bags, mirrors, chairs, and sandals.
Macramé is also very therapeutic and relaxing, which is also why we love doing it.
How is macramé different from weaving?
Unlike weaving macramé uses knots. Instead of using hooks or needles, you just tie knots with your hands. While weaving can be done using a machine, macramé has to be done by hand. This makes it quite an intimate process and means that each item is unique. With macramé, we normally use a tick cord which makes our products durable. Because of the strength of the cord and the way we knot it, they do not unravel easily and will last a lifetime.
Can you tell us about the materials you use?
We use recycled cotton yarn and Jute cord which we source locally at a manufacturing company in Johannesburg. We also use a lot of recycled T-shirt yarn which is made from offcuts from textile printing companies that would otherwise go to waste. We go to these companies and source these offcuts and make bags, sandals, chairs, and mirrors out of them.
What inspired your bag collection?
For our bags we always look at what’s trendy, we watch a lot of fashion shows and then we try and come up with designs that we think will be trendy and practical. We do design our own bags. But we are also open to clients coming up with their own ideas. It’s an exciting opportunity for our clients to feel involved in the creative process for a unique piece which is made to suit their preferences and style.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
Sustainable fashion means designing, sourcing, and manufacturing long-lasting products with a minimal negative impact on the planet.
Do you think transparency in the fashion industry is an important?
Transparency is important as consumers need to be aware of what and where their products are coming from and what benefits they have. Ethics are also an important aspect of sustainability, which means ensuring that the people that make our products are not being exploited. So, transparency helps consumers and players in the fashion industry become aware of who is involved in the supply chain.
Running a business has its ups and downs. What challenges have you had to overcome?
Running a business has been very challenging. In the beginning, we worked from home and were selling our products at markets and fulfilling orders. But, last year in July, we moved into a shop and discovered that being present in a retail space is not as easy as it looks. Taking rent into account when producing and selling products has been an eye-opener. Overcoming these challenges is an ongoing process and we are still learning.
- Images supplied (Picture of Hlah and Linnet Hloni is by SDR)
- You can find KnotAgain at the V&A Watershed and The Woodstock Exchange (by appointment)
- Check out the KnotAgain website and follow them on Instagram to find out more
- KnotAgain was a finalist in the Accessory Award category at the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2021
