TEXTILES.ORG
Cephalopods influence soft robot research
November 1, 2025 | Swatches
Inspired by the color-changing ability of cephalopods such as octopi and squid, University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers are developing a material that could one day be used in sensors and soft robotics applications. Because the stretchy “synthetic skin” is self-actuating, it wouldn’t need…
‘Living’ ink decomposes polymer substrates
November 1, 2025 | Swatches
One avenue of materials research involves biodegradable substrates. These materials have enzymes or bacteria as a part of their makeup so that when the products reach their end of life, they do not become part of the global textile waste problem. The GROWinK project is similar, although the ink, rat…
Specialty Fabrics Review celebrates 110-year anniversary
November 1, 2025 | Swatches
As our industry has evolved over the past century-plus, so has the magazine you’re reading now. And if you’re reading this online, the web and digital-only publications are definitely part of it. What began in November 1915 with the first publication of The National Tent & Awning Manufacture…
Registration open for Fiber Week 2026
November 1, 2025 | Swatches
Fiber Week, an annual weeklong event at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minn., offers attendees the opportunity to explore fiber arts, from knitting and weaving to natural dyeing. The event includes workshops, craft nights and guest speakers.
Textiles’ wide range exhibited at Venice Biennale 2026
October 1, 2025 | Swatches
Taken singly, a handwoven rug and a fiber sculpture wouldn’t seem to have much in common. But this year’s Venice Biennale textile highlights show how digital design can both coexist with and complement natural materials and age-old techniques—and even show off the latter’s adaptability to co…
Taiyo Kogyo honored for fabric chimney that scrubs pollution
October 1, 2025 | Swatches
An industrial chimney that neutralizes air pollution was honored with an award by the Membrane Structures Association of Japan (MSAJ). The “Super Light Stack” was a joint project by Taiyo Kogyo Corporation and Kanadevia Corporation that received the Environmental Contribution Award, highlighting…