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 is a community event 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!
Sharing resources
Sewists and craft lovers are so generous. We’re continually amazed by the donations we receive – and so are the people who attend our events.
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.
Want to host a Thread Lightly event at your venue? Get in touch.
ButtonFest
Friday, 9 October, 3pm–4pm
I’ve had a huge donation of buttons (last count: 1.2 million!), and I want to get them out to people and groups who can use them. Plus I need some space in my garage for ThreadFest donations. Spread the word, bring your bags! Everyone welcome.
Huge thanks to Highbury Community House for their support.
ThreadFest 2026
Saturday, 31 October, 11am–3pm
ThreadFest is back for 2026! Our 2025 event was huge, but this year we’re going even bigger and taking over Birkdale Community House and Hall.
What can you look forward to?
A mega fabric swapWorkshops (times to be announced)Demonstrations from local craft groups.
Best of all: it’s all FREE! And it’s family friendly – there’s even a playground on site.
Start clearing out your stash now so you can bring along any fabric, patterns, haberdashery, wool, and other craft supplies that you don’t want anymore. (And you need to make room for all the amazing goodies you’ll take home…)
Spread the word to your friends, your mum, your aunties, anyone who likes making and creating – and see you there!
Thanks to our generous sponsors, Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project and Kaipatiki Local Board.
Past events
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: