Weaving workshop to promote bamboo fabric

The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) in 2009, along with the CODE-NGO, In-Hand Abra Foundation and the Department of Trade Industry financed a workshop to train loom weavers on bamboo yarn.

In-Hand Abra Foundation, with an intention to boost the promotion of bamboo development in the Abra region, instituted a loom weaving workshop, where a textile designer from India imparted training to two Abra weavers who took part in the training.

Similarly, a natural dye unit was also set up in the region to regulate the colour scheme and the dye sources which employ locally available resources, technology and expertise. In addition to this, designs with ethnicity and originality were embellished on the bamboo blouses and shirts which well reflected the uniqueness of the culture and art of Abra.

Moreover, the conventional two-pedal looms were converted to four and eight pedal looms to better suit the new age modern designs, techniques, weaving patterns and wider width.

Subsequent to all this, the Abra artisans had started hand weaving the organically dyed bamboo to give it a form of shawl or stole, and also stitch it into ladies’ blouses and shirts for men.

Bamboo bears a capacity to absorb 35 percent more carbon dioxide as compared to other trees in its categories. Also the bamboo cloth has a capacity to absorb around 60 percent more water as compared to cotton.

This absorbent quality not only places bamboo cloth in the category of ecological and sustainable textiles, but even establishes it to be the best choice in textiles for preparing towels and bathrobes.

Further, as bamboo is grown without use of fertilizers or pesticides, this quality makes it an organic fibre, and an ideal choice for extra sensitive skin due to its breathable and absorbent qualities.