Post-consumer waste is the only type of textile that Germany exports in competitive amounts, exposing eurocentric patterns in the global textile chain. Instead of outsourcing waste, we must prevent textiles from becoming trash and treat them as one of our most substantial resources. Education is key to raising awareness of this problem and intervening in the situation. This project proposes a workshop design that combines hands-on practice with critical reflection. Participants begin by engaging with different textile types through braiding – a familiar and accessible technique. This opens space to discuss broader systemic issues. The workshop uses both a simple manual tool and a 3D-printed braiding machine called the Maypole Braider, making it suitable for various skill levels. All materials and instructions are available in an open-source format via a dedicated website, ensuring accessibility and reproducibility.
Supervisor(s)
Prof. Barbara Schmidt, Prof. Dr. Zane Berzina, Prof. Steffen Schuhmann, Prof. Jakob Timpe, Yolanda LeaskRelated projects
