The quirky, cute side of crafting is our happy place.
modes4u is now run from the UK by a small team that grew up admiring the Hong Kong shop. We specialise in pictorial fabrics, Traditional Japanese prints, Cute & Kawaii designs, Vintage Retro patterns and anything bold, bright and fun.
A Hong Kong shop we could not bear to lose
modes4u was started back in the 2010s by a couple in Hong Kong. They ran it successfully for over ten years, then wanted to stop and focus on their family.
We already ran our own independent store, ARTBOX, and modes4u had inspired us for years. Rather than watch another small business disappear, we brought modes4u under our wing and moved it to the UK around 2023.
Our story, in our own words
We wanted this page to sound like us: a little bit fabric-obsessed, very fond of small creative businesses, and always wondering what our customers are going to make next.
How did modes4u start?
modes4u was started back in the 2010s by a couple in Hong Kong. They ran it successfully for over ten years, but eventually wanted to stop and focus on their family. We run ARTBOX too, and we did not want to see another small business that had been so inspiring to us disappear.
What has the journey been since reopening?
We wanted to steer modes4u back to its roots: the quirky and cute side of crafting. In the beginning modes4u was heavily influenced by Japanese kawaii, which is ARTBOX's bread and butter, so we wanted to inject that colourful, fun-loving individuality back in again.
What is it like to work at modes4u?
Inspiration is always flowing in the warehouse. Our team has a real mix of sewing skills, but everyone gets inspired by the fabrics. Sam is definitely the most experienced, and between you and me, she would probably be happy to be paid in fabric if she could be.
What are your customers like?
Our customers come from all walks of life and all over the world. We treasure the loyal dab-hand sewists and crafters whose names we love seeing again and again, and we are slowly introducing modes4u to a new generation through TikTok and in-person events.
Do you want to see what customers make?
Always. We love to speculate about what you are going to make, so please do not keep us in the dark. Tag us in your modes-makes, send them by email, or drop them into our DMs. We love to see it.
The people choosing, cutting, packing and photographing the fabric
Kiri
Buyer
- Snack: Biscuits
- Planning style: Plan half, then wing the rest
- Dream craft: Decorative lampshades
- Free time: Singing jazz, antiquing and dog time
Sam
Picking, packing, cutting and warehouse organisation
- Snack: Chocolate of some kind
- Planning style: Plan everything, then wing it
- Dream craft: Hand smocking
- Free time: Sewing or sleeping
Jey
Marketing
- Snack: Chocolate raisins
- Planning style: A mix of both is the best combo
- Dream craft: Quilting, for limitless blankets at home
- Free time: Trying out new dinner recipes
Chop
Product Photographer & Graphic Designer
- Snack: Chocolate, or any sweet treat
- Planning style: Make notes, then wing it
- Dream craft: Quilting with cosy mixed patches
- Free time: Video games, board games, design or live concerts
It is never too late to create
Individuality
The joy of sewing and crafting is being able to make anything you want on your own terms, from the fabric to the fit to the final tiny detail.
Creative confidence
There is something special about owning something made by hand. Every stitch, cut and detail tells a story that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate.
Making things last
Repair, upcycling and repurposing can give an item a new lease of life. It is creative, satisfying and good for the planet too.
