Patch
A desktop needlework machine that extends the life of damaged clothes.
Year
Nyker Visions
2023
Internal Project
Brief
Conceive a device that makes it easier and more desirable for people to extend the lifespan of their clothes. This should be achieved through the provision of a skill that the user otherwise may not have.
Outcome
Identified and explored the factors driving fast fashion and throwaway culture, and used them to conceive Patch, a visible mending device that allows users with no prior experience to revive damaged items of clothing.
Key Design Features
Simple setup and operation without training
Adjustable for different types of textiles
Swappable cassettes with a range of pre-programmed embroidery patterns
Tactile and identifiable interaction points
Compact and easy to store
Built in instruction plate
Understanding Throwaway Culture
The convenience of fast fashion and its influence on user behaviour often results in the frequent replacement of clothing, particularly when there is visible damage. Consumers may be reluctant or unable to repair damaged clothes due to a lack of expertise or skill. The barrier to adopting these skills may be money, time, or accessibility.
By addressing this challenge and democratising the skill of visible mending, we can offer users the opportunity to be self-sufficient and adopt more sustainable practices.
Empowering Makers and Menders
We have been inspired by the Japanese art of Visible Mending, where broken items are given new and often enhanced value through artisan craft. Sashiko (a form of decorative reinforcement stitching) and Kensugi (the art of repairing broken pottery) both result in beautiful objects which would otherwise be considered waste.
Patch aims to bring this philosophy to the modern home through a minimal, bold, and playful device. The clean form and graphic colours make for an object that is easy to use and enjoyable to live alongside.
Making Embroidery Easy
Sewing machines require skill and experience to set up and operate. This is a barrier people currently need to overcome if they want to repair or modify clothes. We brought together a range of embroidery technologies in an elegant package which empowers anyone to repair, repurpose, and customise their clothing.
Patch aims to make setup and operation easy by having users follow steps which are clearly shown on the device. By removing all unnecessary functions and clearly guiding users through threading the needle and attaching the frame, any person is able to use Patch to mend or modify their clothes.
Each part of Patch has been designed to not only guide the user, but to foster the long-term habits and skills required for effective clothing repair. This is vital to ensuring the skill is retained and applied to other objects in our modern lives.
Encouraging Creativity
Celebrating individual creativity is a large motivator behind repairing your own clothes. To that end, Patch comes equipped with a growing library of cassettes, each boasting their own unique design. These cassettes allow users to explore a variety of complex stitching patterns without the need for additional experience or skill.
People who customise their clothing are significantly more likely to wear, keep, and maintain them. By providing tools which empower everyone to mend things beautifully, we give alternative options to consuming and wasting.
