Challenging textile waste: TexTerra Hackathon
Two challenges around textile waste from Belgian companies challenged 10 participants. How can leftover tufting yarn, knitted fabrics, ribbons and cords be turned into new materials or products? From 27 to 29 March 2026 the group gathered at MAP – Den Brei, the knitting museum in Sint-Niklaas, to explore these questions through creative experimentation, technical research and prototyping. The hackathon was organised by TexTerra and De Creatieve STEM.
Participants worked on two challenges. The first focused on the leftover yarn from Mie-time's tufting workshops. Bags full of small, colourful yarn scraps raised the question: how can these fibres be processed into new materials, products or useful resources? The second challenge focused on knitted leftovers, ribbons and cords from the knitting processes at MAP – Den Brei and De Creatieve STEM. What can be made from these materials, and how can they be used in a different way? During the weekend, participants worked in teams to investigate the materials, exchange ideas, test techniques and build prototypes. The historic knitting museum provided a fitting setting to rethink the relationship between textile production, craftsmanship and waste. This exhibition presents a selection of the results. From material experiments to functional prototypes, the works show different approaches to reusing textile leftovers and give an impression of what can emerge when makers get together to work on a shared challenge.
