Welcome to modes4u - the home of kawaii crafting!
modes4u is now based in the UK, run by a small & passionate team who love the quirky side of sewing and crafting
The home of Kawaii Crafting 🧵
Here at modes4u, we don't do boring. 😎 We've been inspired by Japanese cuteness and retro vibes for over a decade - so boring just isn't our jam.
We specialise in pictorial fabrics, traditional Japanese prints, cute & kawaii designs, vintage-retro patterns and anything bold, bright and fun. Our range is ever expanding, we're always on the look out for new suppliers, new areas of crafting to venture into, so keep checking back as we grow and evolve! 💗
July 24th, 25th and 26th
Get to know our little team behind the bolts 💬
We wanted to get a little personal over here:
We love what we do, that we are on this journey with you, whether you ever finish (or start) that project - we're along for the ride! The power to create is at your fingertips, be it your hundredth time or your very first time. So let's get sewing! 💖
How did modes4u start?
modes4u was started back in 2010 by a couple based in Hong Kong. They ran modes4u successfully for over ten years and even moved to Singapore while keeping the business running, but eventually wanted to stop and focus on their family. Luckily, they had friends in the UK who, not wanting to let down the fanbase agreed to take on modes4u! As we ran ARTBOX.co.uk, we did not want to see another small business that had been so inspiring to us disappear and that's how modes4u ended up here!
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 with exciting designs from all over the world! 🌈
What is it like to work at modes4u?
Inspiration is always flowing in the warehouse. Our team has a real mix of creative skills, but everyone gets inspired by the fabrics. Sam is definitely the most experienced sewist in our team, and between you and me, she would probably be happy to be paid in fabric if she could be. 😆 She says her main problem is not having enough time to sew it all!
What are your customers like?
Our customers come from all walks of life and all over the world. We treasure our loyal dab-hand sewists and crafters whose names we love seeing again and again, and we are slowly introducing modes4u to a new generation of crafters through TikTok and in-person events. We love getting to know you, you're a real talented bunch! 😘
Do you want to see what customers make?
Always. We love to speculate about what you are going to make, so please don't 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. 🙌
Meet the modes team ~ the passionate people behind the photography, sourcing and sending the fabric to your door!
Kiri
Fabric Buyer~ 🛍️
- Go-to work snack Anything matcha
- Fave fictional character Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - my ultimate bff movie 👯💄
- Dream Craft Making decorative lampshades
- Colour palette Mid-century pastels!
- Free time Singing jazz, antiquing and cuddling my dog 🐶
Sam
Dispatch & Warehouse📝👑
- Go-to work snack Chocolate of some kind
- Colour palette Bright warm tones - Reds, oranges, pinks
- Dream craft Learning to Hand smock
- Fave fictional character Nanny Ogg & Grannie Weatherwax of the Discworld series 🧙
- Free time Sewing, Having coffee with friends ☕
Jey
Marketing Guru 📱
- Go-to Work Snack Chocolate raisins 🍫
- Fave Fictional Character Fleabag - she is me fr
- Colour Palette Neutrals 🫣 (sorry Sam!)
- Dream craft Quilting - imagine having limitless blankets!
- Planning Style A mix of both is the best combo 😉
- Free time Trying out new dinner recipes 😋🍝
Chop
Product Photographer & Graphic Designer 📸
- Go-to Work Snack Chocolate, or any sweet treat
- Planning style Make notes, then wing it 😈
- Dream craft Quilting - as it's cosy and nostalgic
- Fave Fictional Character Mr Saturn or Croagunk 🐸
- Free time Video games, board games, design or live concerts 🎷🎸
Dream Big - you can do anything! 🤩
Individuality ✨
Being able to make anything you want on your own terms. Clothing that finally fits your beautiful body, that unique one of a kind gift no one else has, every detail tells a story that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate.
Creative confidence 💪
There is something empowering about owning something made by hand. The ability to follow your dreams and create something out of nothing, that moment when you get to say "Thanks, I made it myself!"
Making things last 🌍
The ability to revitalise things! Repairing, upcycling and repurposing, there's something magical about giving something a new lease of life through creativity and it's good for the planet too, what's not to like!
