Tianjin hand-knitting set foot on the international fast track

In recent years, the women's hand-woven industry in Tianjin has experienced remarkable growth. What was once a traditional craft has evolved into a thriving sector with its own independent brands, gaining global recognition and making a bold presence on the international stage. According to recent reports, the Tianjin Women’s Hand Weaving Industry Association has established 95 leading hand-woven bases across the city, creating over 490 weaving sites spread throughout 18 districts and counties. These initiatives have provided employment opportunities for more than 40,000 individuals, particularly laid-off workers and rural residents, helping to reduce local unemployment and promote economic development. The association now handles a wide range of orders, including folk crafts, clothing, home textiles, and other five major product series, offering more than 1,000 varieties of woven, crocheted, sewn, and embroidered items. The business has expanded beyond China, reaching markets in South Korea, Italy, Japan, the United States, Germany, and over 20 other countries and regions. This expansion has transformed the traditional model of family-based workshops and scattered production into a more structured, industrialized, and commercialized system. With stable employment and professional management, the hand-woven industry in Tianjin is not only preserving cultural heritage but also contributing significantly to the local economy and social development. The success of this sector serves as an inspiring example of how traditional crafts can thrive in the modern world when supported by innovation and sustainable practices.