aikyam fellows

Tote Bag Handle Redesign and Adjustability Testing

ഒക്‌ടോബർ 19 · തയ്യൽ ക്ലബ്

We conducted design experiments to improve the functionality and comfort of our tote bag handles. To evaluate aesthetic balance and physical usability, we stitched a prototype where one of the two handles was made slightly wider and longer. While the visual proportions looked promising, determining a single standardized handle length proved challenging because user heights and body types vary significantly. We briefly evaluated the idea of reducing the entire bag dimensions to balance shorter handles, but ultimately discarded that approach since the bag is already built to an established standard size and changing it would create unnecessary production complications. To ensure the handle fits users of all heights without altering the core bag dimensions, we explored incorporating an adjustable strap mechanism. We selected sustainable strap buckles as a potential solution and planned a trial fitting to evaluate their usability, aesthetic integration, and practical handling. During our design review, we identified durability as a primary concern, particularly regarding machine washability. We noted that metal buckles pose a risk of rusting and permanently staining fabric panels during repeated wash cycles, while any alternative material must withstand tumbling and mechanical stress. Moving forward, we have defined baseline handle dimensions and are acquiring sustainable adjustable buckles to complete physical wash and wear testing before finalizing the component design.

Quality Control in Fabric Pre-Treatment: Managing Shrinkage and Color Bleed

ഒക്‌ടോബർ 15

During this session, all team members gathered to collectively select a fresh batch of cotton fabrics recently acquired from a new supplier offering higher-grade materials. Working under the assumption that premium quality would prevent dye transfer, we soaked all the colorful fabric pieces together in a single washing container for initial pre-treatment. However, during the soaking and washing process, we observed significant color bleeding across multiple pieces, alongside visible fabric shrinkage as the cotton fibers reacted to the water. To accurately assess the structural and aesthetic impact of the wash, we carefully dried and ironed each fabric panel. Ironing allowed us to closely examine the extent of color fading, cross-staining, and dimensional shrinkage across the batch. This experience provided a crucial quality control lesson: even high-quality cotton fabrics naturally release excess surface dye and contract during their first wash. We recognized that incorporating unchecked, color-releasing fabrics into finished bag production would cause dyes to bleed onto adjacent panels, ultimately ruining the final products. Consequently, we established a mandatory quality control protocol requiring all newly purchased cotton fabrics to be washed individually and thoroughly inspected before being approved for bag construction.

stitching the pieces

ഒക്‌ടോബർ 12 · തയ്യൽ ക്ലബ്

We continued our Kantha work by joining the fabric strips prepared in earlier sessions. The aim was to practise following a design, aligning fabric strips and keeping hand stitching even. Each participant used their design from the Kantha app, printed on A4 paper, to select and arrange the matching 6 cm-wide fabric strips. The printouts helped them check the colour order and placement before stitching the strips side by side into fabric panels. Participants then added rows of Kantha running stitches along the panels. We focused on consistent stitch lengths, even spaces between rows and thread tension, particularly at the thicker seams.