
Hello, my name is Kate!I am an artist, designer (specializing in textiles), set designer in theater and cinema, art critic on textiles. I specialize in textiles, and this field includes many professional branches. I started studying art and design at an art school, after which I entered the Textile University named after A.N. Kosygin in Moscow at the Department of Artistic Textiles. I defended my master’s thesis on modern textile materials at the A.L. Stieglitz Academy in St. Petersburg. Now I am a graduate student at the Textile University, and continue my research into innovative textile materials.


Since 2020, I have been conducting research into innovative textile materials. The practical significance of the research lies in developing my own experimental technology for creating recyclable fabric using recycled materials made from secondary raw materials. Secondary raw materials are used in different weaving options and open up wide possibilities for working with completely different palettes and interiors.


Experiments with various materials (wool, acrylic, cotton, cellophane, straw, nylon, plastic, etc.) led to the study of materials used in 3D printing on printers and the creation of our own technology for hand weaving from them. The choice fell on PLA and ABS plastics for 3D printing, namely Easy Flex (TPU).


During the study, the production of REC company (ELMA technology park) was visited. The technological process allows to create a fully recyclable product, it is worth noting that the raw materials can be both «clean» and secondary, which makes the process cyclical and sustainable. Therefore, having purchased the required amount of secondary polymer granules, it is possible to produce a filament thread that will be suitable for weaving, and therefore the fabric from such filament will be firstly created from secondary raw materials, and secondly, such fabric can be sent for recycling.


Based on plain and twill weaves, patterns were developed for weaving on a hand loom.
Easy Flex (TPU) is the most elastic and wear-resistant material in the REC flexible polymer line, featuring high resistance to oils, gasoline, alkalis and some acids, high wear resistance and excellent strength under bending and stretching deformation. The material is frost-resistant, holds fairly high temperatures when heated and practically does not age when exposed to ultraviolet radiation (dyes can degrade, but the physical and mechanical properties of the material itself are preserved), has good resistance to sea water, fats, is not affected by microbes or bacteria. Excellent resistance to environmental influences makes TPU an excellent choice for the manufacture of parts intended for outdoor use. Moreover, TPU has low vulnerability to plastic deformation or «creep», that is, it retains its shape well under prolonged and repeated deformation, which allows using this polymer in the production of functional parts operating in bending, compression and stretching.


In order to study the characteristics and properties of the new textile material, a prototype was made — a chaise longue with a textile base. The furniture base is a vintage wooden (oak) chaise longue restored by the author USSR 60s folding two-section; Weaving: warp thread and weft thread — Easy Flex (TPU) thermoplastic polyurethane (thread diameter 1.75 mm) (color 1: Blue (RAL 5010); color 2: Green (RAL 6029); color 3: White (RAL 9016); color 4: gradient red-brown)


The developed textile material clearly demonstrates the advantages of the filament and its resistance to environmental influences: the fabrics are dense, are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, fading, temperature changes and abrasion, repel moisture, dust, dirt. The designer fabrics are suitable for decorating furniture, decorating sun loungers and beach chairs, making covers for pillows and mattresses, curtains on terraces, as well as for textile decoration of a yacht, balcony, summer veranda, cottage, garden, beach, pool. The characteristics of the fabric allow it to be used for textile decoration of interior spaces, despite the strength of the thread, it is pleasant to the touch and similar to conventional upholstery materials.


Target audience of the product (key characteristics): • Conscious consumers: Those who care about the environment, understand the importance of sustainable consumption, strive for an environmentally responsible lifestyle. • Value uniqueness and quality: They are looking for exclusive and high-quality products that stand out from the mass production. • Open to new ideas: They are interested in innovative technologies and materials, are ready to try non-standard solutions. • Style and aesthetics are important: They value the beauty and functionality of the product, are aware of its impact on the interior or image. • Willing to pay for value: They understand the value of manual labor and the uniqueness of the product, are ready to invest in an environmentally friendly and high-quality product.


Examples of target audience: • Young professionals (25-35 years): Environmentally conscious, striving for uniqueness in their image or interior. Use social networks, are actively interested in new brands and trends. • Married couples (30-45 years): With an active lifestyle, striving for comfort and a cozy atmosphere in the home. Value high-quality and environmentally friendly materials, are ready to invest in durable products. • Connoisseurs of art and design: Interested in handcrafted items, uniqueness of products. Are ready to pay for quality and style, value environmental friendliness and the history of materials. • Businessmen and entrepreneurs: Value environmental friendliness and sustainability of business, strive for social responsibility and a positive impact on the environment.


Name of the work: MS400 500* *digital code after MS400 ---, corresponds to the color palette number in which the furniture base is painted (in this case, the chaise longue)
Author: Ekaterina Viktorovna Sudakova (nickname brand KATE ZATE)
Technique, technology: manual experimental weaving on a manual loom
Materials: Furniture base — vintage wooden (oak) chaise longue USSR 60s, foldable, two-section, restored by the author; Weaving: warp thread and weft thread — Easy Flex (TPU) thermoplastic polyurethane (thread diameter 1.75 mm)
Weight, overall dimensions (length, width, height in mm): 7 kg, 2500 mm x 600 mm x 1000 mm
Year of creation: July 2024
Circulation: 1 pc.; product sale price: 40,000 RUR

