Re-Using Textile Waste Enhanced by Crocheting to Make Soft Home Furnishes

ABSTRACT
This study seeks to collect, upcycle and repurpose fabrics waste into decorative household items to reinforce the concept of reuse as a viable alternative to indiscriminate dumping that leads to environmental pollution. It has been observed that garment producers, fashion designers, dressmakers, seamstresses and tailors generate several quantities of fabric waste which are initially piled up to occupy space at their workshops then later disposed indiscriminately. It was also observed that the garment producers lack adequate knowledge on waste management, hence the indiscriminate disposal of the waste fabrics. The need for effective means of upcycling without adverse repercussion to the environment was found critical. The fabric wastes gathered for this studio-based research was sorted into types, sizes, colors and textures and based on the idea of upcycle art, the fabric wastes collected were converted into interior decoration pieces such as a center rug, a table cloth, and table mats. This research stemmed from a curiosity of upcycling jean and waste materials in Anambra, the author’s state of residence. The central aim of the study is to explore how designs are sustainably approached in the context of soft furnishes in our various homes and to propose a set of practical guidance through design outcomes to help young entrepreneurs.