Lindberg Strik – knitting, community and connection

By Signe Hansen | Photos: Lindberg Strik

With a strong connection to its local neighbourhood in Copenhagen’s Sydhavnen, Lindberg Strik is more than a yarn shop; it is a community hub known for its events and welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Louise Lindberg Heldmann, the shop has quickly become a favourite among knitting enthusiasts, offering a carefully selected range of yarns and distinctive products such as buttons from a fourth-generation Italian producer and locally sourced wool from Sydhavnstippen.

From the street, Lindberg Strik blends naturally into the rhythm of the neighbourhood; people pop in to say hello, and Louise and her colleagues spend a great deal of time waving to familiar passers-by. Inside, shelves are filled with yarns in a wide range of qualities and colours, while a cosy sofa area and long table invite customers to stay a little longer. Louise, who grew up in Sydhavnen, is present every day, and the shop reflects both her background and her approach. Trained as a social worker, she brings a strong sense of social awareness to the space. “We’ve created a shop where people can also just come in to say hello,” she says. “For me, it’s important to have places where people can meet.”

That focus on people is central to the shop’s identity. Service plays a key role, not only in helping customers choose yarn, but in supporting them through their projects. “If something doesn’t work, you can always come down, have a cup of coffee, and we’ll figure it out together,” Louise explains.

In just a few years, Lindberg Strik has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors driving to or from Copenhagen, while its web shop has extended its reach to customers across Denmark and beyond.

Lindberg Strik – knitting, community and connection

Creating connections through events

The social dimension of Lindberg Strik is most visible in its many events. Regular knitting cafés and clubs bring people together around shared projects, while collaborations with local businesses create new formats.

One example is the knitting club held in partnership with Sydhavnens Vinbar, a nearby wine bar, where participants meet to knit, talk and, of course, enjoy a glass of wine. “We try to create spaces where people can meet and share ideas,” Louise says. “There’s a real need for that sense of community.”

The shop also hosts events for international residents, where knitting becomes a way to connect people and support integration. Participants gather to knit, practise Danish and exchange experiences. “It’s about creating a place where people feel welcome, whether they are local or new to Denmark,” she explains.

Lindberg Strik – knitting, community and connection

Yarns, buttons and local wool

Alongside its social focus, Lindberg Strik offers a broad, carefully selected range of yarns. The assortment includes well-known Scandinavian brands as well as smaller producers, reflecting Louise’s preference for quality and craftsmanship. “I try to find yarns that I think are genuinely good,” she says. Then, demonstrating her fondness for inclusivity, she adds: “Of course, we also have a couple of weird synthetic yarns for the kids to get started on – I think that’s just as important, for them to have something to play around with. It’s about helping people discover the joy of working with their hands.”

Owner and founder of Lindberg Strik, Louise Lindberg Heldmann, with her dog Iris.

A particular point of pride is the locally sourced wool from Sydhavnstippen. Sheep graze on the former landfill site, helping to maintain the landscape, and their wool is collected, spun in Denmark and sold in the shop. “It doesn’t get much more local than that,” Louise notes.

The shop also carries a selection of distinctive accessories, including a selection of buttons sourced directly from a small, family-run producer in Italy. For Louise, these details are part of a broader philosophy of supporting smaller makers and creating a varied, personal selection.

Lindberg Strik – knitting, community and connection

Driven by ideas and community

That philosophy extends into the way that Lindberg Strik continues to develop. Louise is constantly working on new ideas, from projects such as knitting events under open skies and collaborations with well-known Instagrammers such as Nearly Danish Dame.

Of course, Louise’s dedication to her shop also means long working days, and she admits to some less-fun aspects, like the many administrative tasks, but her motivation remains simple. “It’s my fifth child,” she says, referring to her family as well as the time and energy invested in the business. “I’ve made my hobby into my job,” she reflects. “And that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Lindberg Strik – knitting, community and connection