Our Story

We are not just a brand.
We are a community of bold, comfort-loving individuals
who believe in expressing their unique style.

The prime mover of Virkkukoukkunen, Tiina Kärkäs-Sund, fell into the fabulous color and pattern pot of the 70s during her childhood. The direction for her creative professional dreams was paved by the School of Handicrafts and Arts, where especially the special techniques fed her imagination and she found a common thread for her own expression.

VirQ fashion from the 70s

After graduating, she launched the colorful Virkkukoukkunen brand in 1993. The first tiny shop was located in the hallway of Tiina's childhood home. In addition to her hand-drawn diverse textiles, the initial product range also included colorful crocheted hats, which is where the catchy and vibrant name Virkkukoukkunen originated. The goal, both then and now, is to offer customers practical and uplifting golden edges to everyday life for the home, to wear, and to give as gifts, all with a light-hearted Karelian attitude and a distinctive personal touch. In the fall of 2018, the first clothing line, made from Virkkukoukkunen jersey fabrics designed by Tiina and manufactured in Finland, was launched to great success.

Today, our collection includes a wide variety of clothes, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and socks. The products are professionally designed, with artistic and bold patterns that bring joy and confidence to the wearer.

In the winter of 2022, we made the bold decision to manufacture our clothing line according to the zero waste principle. Despite already using leftover material for the production of our popular hats, headbands, and hair ties, a significant amount of material was still wasted.

This realization led us to reassess our production process and develop a strategy to ensure that every piece of fabric and inspiring pile of oddly shaped scraps is put to good use. We are happy and proud to say that our production is truly zero waste and we are committed to sustainable fashion. The collection includes a large number of recycled products: various types of headwear, scarves, men's accessories, jewelry, and art textiles.

Aiming for internationalization, one of the major leaps in the company's history took place in the fall of 2024. Virkkukoukkunen underwent a brand transformation and announced a new name:

In the new VirQ, everything that has made Virkkukoukkunen beloved was preserved: the joy of life, the courage to revel in color, and a unique style. With the same spirit and passion that gave birth to Virkkukoukkunen, we set our sights on new opportunities and broader horizons.

Our world is now VirQ – timeless, communal, powerful, and personal.

The picture shows the pattern in the design and drawing phase.

In the picture, the jersey fabric is ready.

In the picture, the garment is ready.

VirQ by Virkkukoukkusen's boutique, design spaces, and online store have settled into the heart of Imatra, on Koskenparta pedestrian street, across three floors, after a few hops. An energetic posse of Koukkunen, Tiina, Iri, Mari, Satu, and Mirka, work hard in these inspiring spaces.

VirQ's lifestyle boutique offers an experience! We want to serve each of our customers as individuals and we warmly welcome everyone to VirQ's captivating and colorful clientele.

See you at the store and online! Best, Tiina.

In the picture, Tiina Kärkäs-Sund, founder, CEO, creative director.