1. Lapuan Kankurit has been weaving in Finland since 1973 – what does it mean to carry that heritage forward, and how does it shape the way you work today?

Honouring our weaving heritage is both a privilege and a duty. Our family has woven in Lapua since 1917, passing down craftsmanship and respect for materials and people through generations. In 1973, Esko’s parents established its own weaving mill to specialise in jacquard textiles and niche production. Esko and Jaana took over in 2000, expanding designs and reaching customers beyond Finland. Now, the fifth generation has joined, ready to contribute their ideas.

Our tradition shapes every decision we make. By weaving at our own mill, we maintain quality from yarn to product, innovate techniques, and preserve traditional skills for future generations. Our history is not just relics, it actively forms how we produce and think today. As a family business, we plan for decades ahead, considering the environment and long-term impacts, not just annual results.

2. There’s a growing appetite in the UK for textiles made with real intention and craft. Why do you think people are increasingly drawn to pieces with a story behind them?

We believe people are longing for authenticity in a world filled with fast-paced consumption. A well-made textile carries the traces of the hands, skills and decisions behind it - the choice of materials, the weaving techniques, the values that guided its creation.

When a product has a true story, it feels more meaningful and more personal and you can feel good about the choice you have made and feel good about the textile. You’re not just buying an object; you’re bringing into your home something that was made with care, skill and purpose. We are seeing more and more customers who appreciate transparency, sustainability, and the quiet beauty of thoughtfully crafted items that will last for years.

3. Your work feels deeply rooted in the Finnish landscape and the Nordic way of living. How do those influences find their way into a finished piece?

Our environment shapes us naturally. The open fields and calm horizons of Ostrobothnia, our changing seasons, the clarity of northern light - these all influence how we think about texture, colour and form. Nordic design is about simplicity, functionality and harmony, and we translate these principles into weaving.

We also use traditional Finnish materials like linen and wool, which capture the essence of our region in a very real way. Just a few generations ago, Finns did grow flax in their backyards and raise sheep for wool. My own grandmother spun her own linen yarn and crafted linen towels that we still cherish. Her sheep provided wool for blankets that kept the family warm through the harsh winters.

Our textiles reflect how we live in the North: close to nature, appreciating small routines, and valuing things made to last.

4. At a time when so much is mass-produced, you’ve stayed committed to craft at every stage. How do you balance the demands of a growing business with that dedication to quality?

For us, growth has never come at the expense of our values. By operating our own mill, we oversee each stage - material selection, weaving, and finishing, ensuring flexibility, responsible innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality. Naturally, expanding our business steadily year after year requires significant effort and investment. However, we see growth not only as increasing volume, but as deepening our roots and expanding our expertise.

We invest in skilled people, long-term partnerships with material producers and farmers, and continuous development of weaving techniques. We design to minimise waste and create textiles that last, knowing that longevity is the most sustainable choice.

5. For someone bringing a Lapuan Kankurit piece into their home for the first time, how would you hope it feels – and how do you hope they use it?

We aim to provide a sense of quiet comfort, creating products that are warm, natural, and authentic. Our textiles are thoughtfully designed to enhance daily life, which is why we refer to ourselves as weavers of good life: from a soft blanket for leisurely evenings, to linen towels that only improve with use and offer comfort in spa and sauna settings, to a wool throw intended to serve as a reliable companion over time.

We prioritise your overall well-being and encourage frequent, unrestricted use of our products. They are designed for everyday routines rather than being reserved for special occasions. If our textiles contribute warmth, beauty, and tranquility to your home, we consider our mission fulfilled and we have given a bite of soul wellness to you.