Swatch the Future is an annual project that culminates in an online exhibition. For this iteration of the project, participants are asked to look to textile waste as a starting point and develop a range of well designed textile swatches utilising waste using new and traditional techniques. The aim of this project is to keep excess material out of landfill and to prolong the life of textiles through repair and repurposing processes. Their physical outcomes engage with a range of traditional and unconventional materials and techniques. The designers have used knitting, weaving, surface manipulation, embroidery and a range of other experimental and innovative techniques and materials to develop solutions for textile problems.
Image: Tessa Graham, woven swatch. Image courtesy the artist