Welcome to
Thread Lightly
Connecting people with creativity
Thread Lightly is run by volunteers, motivated by a love of craft and a desire to create meaningful connections within our local community in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
In-person events
Thread Lightly hosts community events where people can donate, swap and take fabric and craft supplies. Think ‘clothing swap’, but for craft stuff.
Keeping waste out of landfill
Our events rely on donations from individuals and organisations, before or at our events. Got something to donate? Bring it to an event or get in touch!
Connecting organisations
We also channel donations directly to charities and community organisations, getting resources to people and groups who really need them.
Free access for all
Thread Lightly events are free! We want to create a community for everyone who wants to join in – no T&Cs, no strings attached.
Upcoming events
Thread Lightly events pop up around Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
ThreadFest 2026 is being planned now. Want to be part of it? Have something to donate? Or want to chat about hosting a Thread Lightly event at your venue? Get in touch.
Past events
ThreadFest Kaipātiki 2025
Saturday, 8 November 2025
The first ThreadFest Kaipātiki 2025 was a roaring success! Around 450 people attended, participating in a fabric swap run by Thread Lightly, workshops, demonstrations and some light refreshments. This was a free event, run in partnership between the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust and Thread Lightly, with funding from the Kaipātiki Local Board.
Workshops included: sewing a gift bag, upcycling t-shirts into a rag rug, making no-sew fabric bunting and learning the art of creative mending.
Demonstrations were held throughout the day: crocheting with the Bayview Craft Mob; quilting with Rebecca Owen; embroidery with the North Shore Embroiderers Guild and knitting with Highbury House Knitting Connections.
Thread Lightly community fabric swap
Sunday 4 May 2025
The event that started it all: the first Thread Lightly fabric swap. Held at the Birkdale Community House in Auckland, we had 100 people come to check us out, donate unwanted items from their fabric and craft stash, and walk away with fantastic finds.
FAQs
What’s this all about then?
Here’s our elevator pitch! Thread Lightly has three main goals: reduce the amount of textile (and other) waste going to landfill; create a place of connection for sewists and other craft lovers; provide free access to craft materials for everyone.
That’s what motivates us to do this: our love of the environment, people and crafting.
When is the next event?
Check our events or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
What can I donate?
Anything you can use for sewing or handcrafts (embroidery, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and so on). Here are some ideas:
- Fabric
- Patterns and books
- Haberdashery (zips, scissors, thread, elastic, embroidery hoops, etc)
- Wool, knitting/crochet needles
We don’t take paint, clay or woodworking materials. If you’ve got something to donate but aren’t sure whether it’s for us, feel free to contact us and ask.
I don’t have anything to donate – can I still come to Thread Lightly events?
Yes! We always have lots of items donated to us before the event, so there will be plenty to go around. Just come along and enjoy.
How can I help?
For individuals: Bringing donations is a key part of making sure the events are a success. We also love having volunteers to help with setting up and tidying up at events, or meeting in the lead-up to the event to help sort donations. Spreading the word is also hugely helpful – if someone you know is downsizing or decluttering and wants to pass on their fabric and craft stash, please get in touch and we’ll arrange to pick it up!
For organisations, sewing/craft classes or groups: Again, donations are enormously helpful. We can pick up your donations before the event – just contact us. Putting up event flyers on noticeboards or shop windows is great for spreading the word.
Can we collaborate?
Sure! We have lots of plans for future events, but we’d still love to chat about any ideas you might have, including hosting a workshop or demonstration alongside Thread Lightly. Zero waste or waste minimisation is our jam, but we’re always open to hearing other ideas too.
We’re also keen to hear from Auckland venues who’d like to host a Thread Lightly event for their local community.
Who is behind Thread Lightly?
Thread Lightly was founded by Hannah Bennett, inspired by an episode of the podcast Check Your Thread (number 29, to be specific!). We’re based in the Kaipātiki region of the North Shore, Auckland, Aotearoa.
With the help of some kind friends and family members, the support of a local community centre, and some great donations from local organisations who immediately understood the purpose of what we’re all about, the first Thread Lightly event was held in May 2025, with around 100 people visiting. It was great! Hope you can join us at the next event.
Contact us
You can email us directly at hello@threadlightly.nz,
or follow us on Facebook or Instagram: