Handmade quilts by Louise Silk spotlighted in Pittsburgh

February 1, 2025  |  Swatches

The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., is featuring the work of Jewish quilter Louise Silk in its exhibit “Louise Silk: A Patchwork Life.” The exhibit opened Sept. 1, 2024, and runs through April 6, 2025.
Read More
Lignin used for 3D-printed glove grip coating

February 1, 2025  |  Swatches

Researchers at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have developed a durable, flexible lignin-based biopolymer grip coating that can be applied via 3D printing to gloves. The DITF researchers’ goal was to replace oil-based polymers, nitrile rubber or latex for prot…
Read More
Aerogel-infused fibers could make thinner warm textiles

February 1, 2025  |  Swatches

In its latest work with aerogel, Outlast Technologies GmbH announced that it has incorporated the thin insulating material directly into viscose fibers’ structure. The process has the potential to aid in creating less-bulky warm winter bedding or outdoor clothing. Aerogel insulates by binding the …
Read More
Broward College shade sails win Soltis 502 contest

February 1, 2025  |  Swatches

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of membrane fabric Soltis Proof 502, Serge Ferrari held a contest to reward a project using new color Revival Blue, which joins the company’s repertoire of more than 30 colors. The winning project consists of a 1,400-square-foot shade sail installation at Broward …
Read More
Origami-inspired foldable fabric bathtub

February 1, 2025  |  Swatches

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of its plumbing and tile business, Japanese company LIXIL Corporation released Bathtope, a fabric bathtub that gives homeowners the flexibility of having a tub without the additional square footage needed for a permanent fixture.
Read More
3D-printing textile filament from Asahi Kasei and Aquafil

February 1, 2025  |  Swatches

Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei and Italian manufacturer Aquafil S.p.A. are combining efforts and products to develop a novel material for 3D printing. The material will combine Aquafil’s ECONYL® polymer made from chemically recycled polyamide 6, also known as nylon 6, and Asahi Kasei’s…
Read More
Artist exhibits smart embroidery to bring attention to craft

January 1, 2025  |  Swatches

The embroidery artwork of Hiroko Otake was a highlight of DESIGNART Tokyo 2024 in October. The exhibition featured three pieces showing butterflies in a variety of ways, from simplified forms in Butterfly Camouflage to intricately detailed in Circulation. The butterflies in the smart textile piece c…
Read More
Quilt artist wins Great Rivers Biennial Art Award

January 1, 2025  |  Swatches

Basil Kincaid, a multi-genre artist from St. Louis, Mo., known for his quilted artwork, was one of three artists selected for the 2024 Great Rivers Biennial Art Award. The winners received $20,000 and are highlighted in the exhibit “Great Rivers Biennial 2024” at the Contemporary Art Museum St. …
Read More