In a sunlit studio in New York, Hammad Abid sits at a loom, his hands moving rhythmically as threads intertwine to form a vibrant sample. Each pull of the thread feels deliberate, almost meditative, as if he’s weaving not just fabric, but a piece of his own history. Hammad, a fifth-generation weaver from India, is redefining the American textile industry, one thread at a time.
From The Looms Of India To Heart Of New York
Hammad’s story begins in Meerut, a city in northern India. Growing up in his family’s textile mill, he was surrounded by the hum of power looms and the scent of raw cotton. “I remember watching my grandfather and father work,” Hammad recalls. “They would tell me that every thread carries a story, a memory. That idea stayed with me.”
But Hammad’s journey wasn’t just about carrying on a family tradition. He moved to the U.S. to refine his craft, earning a Master’s in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design before settling in New York.There he found himself at the intersection of heritage, design, and innovation. “I wanted to honor my roots,” he says, “but I also wanted to push boundaries and explore what’s possible.”
Heritage Meets Innovation
Hammad’s portfolio spans premium performance fabrics for commercial use to intricate art pieces. His textiles blend traditional weaving techniques with cutting-edge technology, creating works that are both functional and deeply artistic. One of his signature techniques is 3D weaving, a process that allows him to craft intricate, multi-layered fabrics with minimal waste. “It’s about respecting the craft while embracing the future,” he explains.
His practice has become a hub for experimentation, attracting collaborations with interior designers and home textile brands. Some of his most notable projects involve creating sustainable fabrics for various home textile clients. “My clients often want something that feels timeless yet aligns with their sustainability goals,” Hammad says. “It’s always a challenge, but it reminds me why I do this—textiles are more than just material; they’re a way to connect people to their values.”
Artistic Expression: Weaving Stories Of Identity & Displacement
For Hammad, textiles are also a medium for storytelling. His art pieces often explore themes of migration, identity, and displacement, reflecting his own experiences as an immigrant. One of his most personal works, Glitched Recollection, explores the fragmented sense of home cultivated through frequent moves over a long period of time. The piece tackles the transience of home inherent in the experience of displacement. “Each glitch in the artwork represents a different chapter—joy, loss, hope,” he says. “When people see it, I want them to feel the weight of those stories.”
This emotional depth is what sets Hammad apart in an industry often driven by trends and profit. “Textiles have always been more than just fabric to me,” he reflects. “They’re a way to preserve cultural memory and challenge how we see ourselves and the world.”
A Sustainable Vision For The Future
Hammad’s commitment to sustainability is another cornerstone of his work. He’s passionate about reducing the environmental impact of textile production, a mission that feels increasingly urgent as the industry grapples with its carbon footprint. His approach includes using eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste through 3D weaving, and advocating for industry-wide change. “Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility,” he says. “If we don’t take care of the planet, what are we leaving for the next generation?”
Balancing Art & Commerce
The U.S. textile industry, which saw $29.7 billion in exports in 2023, is ripe for innovation, and designers like Hammad are at the forefront of this transformation. “The future of textiles is about balancing tradition with technology,” he says. “It’s about creating something that’s not just beautiful but meaningful, with less impact on the planet.”
For Hammad, the key lies in staying true to his vision while meeting the needs of the market. “It’s a delicate balance, but it’s worth it,” he says. Through his work, Hammad Abid is not just weaving fabric—he’s weaving a legacy that bridges the past, present, and future of textiles.
