Annual Bootcamp 2026 | May 25-30, Dundalk, Ireland

Sustainability • Circular Fashion • Digital Fabrication • Biomaterials • E-Textiles • Wearables

🔗 Explore the full schedule & register now at bootcamp.textile-academy.org

5-Day Intensive Program Connecting Sustainability, Textile Innovation & Digital Crafts

The upcoming Bootcamp 2026 will be held in Ireland, hosted at Creative Spark Dundalk between May 25–30th, bringing together textile innovation through hands-on experimentation, cutting-edge technologies and future-forward sustainable design practices.

This immersive week brings together designers, educators, technologists, artists, and professionals to explore high-impact topics shaping the future of textiles:

Modular and zero-waste garment design

Biomaterials development & Bioprinting

Sustainable and circular fashion strategies

Silk screen printing with Natural Pigments

Parametric couture and 3D printed fashion

E-textiles, Crafted Sensors, Soft Circuits

Seaweed Harvesting and food tasting

Material-driven innovation & regenerative design

Crafts and Tufting

Only 30 seats available. Secure your spot early! > Purchase your ticket here

Check the detailed schedule

Plan your travel

The Fabricademy Bootcamp is the best starting point for anyone interested in the 6-month Fabricademy Program, offering a first-hand experience of its collaborative environment, experimental approach to shaping textile futures and the opportunity to learn directly from the founders of the program and invited experts.

What to expect from the Bootcamp?

See highlights from the past Fabricademy Bootcamp in Brussels to understand the experience, methodology, and outcomes.

The annual gathering of the Global Maker Community in Czech Republic was filled with inspiring talks and collaborative working groups and hands-on activities that brought people and ideas together. Among the highlights of the event, a sneak peek into last week’s Fabricademy workshops, the Graduation ceremony and the final Exhibition featuring Fabricademy alumni, invited local designers and the 2025 final projects.

Fabricademy Workshops & Working Groups at Fab25

Fabri Xiao Workshop, in collaboration with Fabricademy Node Fab Lab Leon, focused on combining the Fabricademy Xiao microcontroller, sewing techniques, conductive thread, flexible silicone wire COB LEDs to personalize a wearable hat with a soft e-textile push buttons.

Open Source Circular Fashion Workshop, focused on modular and reconfigurable garments and structures designed to be zero-waste and produced using laser cutting techniques.

Soft Robotics Workshop, in collaboration with Adriana Cabrera and Fabricademy Alumna Saskia Helinska, where participants investigated movement using heat transfer vinyl techniques to prototype interactive, responsive structures.

3D Printing on Fabric Workshop, in collaboration with Josef Prusa Research and Fabricademy Alumna Batoul Al-Rashdan.
A hands-on workshop focused on learning how to reshape texitles with 3D Printing Technology.

Fabricademy Alumni Talks & Highlights

Fabricademy Alumni showcased their final projects at #Fab2025, connected to themes of local heritage, community, technology and artisanal craftsmanship. Among them: Shefali Desai, Surzhana Radaneva x Mekanika, Kohshi Katoh.

Kohshi Katoh, from Skylab Workshop Japan & Toyota Motor Corporation, presented his Fabricademy Final Project on stage an accessible, digitally fabricated kinetic seat to be locally made in Kenya.

Watch the talk on youtube

Fabricademy Exhibition 2025, Prague | ArteFab 2025

The textile industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, propelled by an urgent need for a more environmental conscious future and supported by advancements in personal fabrication, biotechnology, innovative materials, 3D modeling and local distributed manufacturing.

This exhibition serves as a window into this dynamic landscape, where creativity and personal visions weave future narratives of textile, material production and consumption.

Projects displayed featured root-grown and bio-based garments, bacterial-dyed textiles, material and color archives, technical and magnetic fabrics, interactive gloves, educational books and kits for learning electronics, 3D printing reinterpretations of heritage, sensor-based wearables and costume designs, and works combining embroidery, novel materials, and local culture.

Cecilia Raspanti, Asli Aydin Aksan, Michelle Vossen, TextileLab Amsterdam
HaptiColor

Participants of ArteFab 2025

Adriana Cabrera, Ala' Janbek, Anastasia Pistofidou, Anoush Arshakyan, Asli Aydin Aksan, Barbara Rakovska, Batoul Al-Rashdan, Cecilia Raspanti, Dima Hejap, DineshKumar Gunasekaran, Erika Mirzoyan, Fatemeh Mollaie, Florencia Moyano, Ieva Marija Dautartaitė, Jessica Dias, Klára Malo, Laura Muth, Maricruz García Chávez, Mekanika, Michelle Vossen, Naim Al-Haj Ali, Nela Bartáková, Nelly Puertas, Ola Muhanna, Rawan Aziziyeh, Raul Babines, Suhaib Kamal, Surzhana Radnaeva, Zahia Albakri, Zander Webster.

The Exhibition wouldn't be possibile without the amazing team of Makemore.cz and Prusa Research that contributed 3D printing custom mannequins.

Learn more about the projects

Check out the Virtual Exhibition 2025 & the Exhibition Catalogue

Want to explore the Fabricademy Program and the opportunities to learn with us this September? 🎓

Check https://textile-academy.org/apply/ or email us at info@textile-academy.org

#FABRICAMP 2025 BRUSSELS | Belgium

A Fabricademy training week hosted at Green Fabric and CityFab1, concluded with the exhibition at MakerFaire Brussels!

The 2025 Textile Academy Bootcamp took place in Brussels, bringing together 30 participants, from students to professionals and educators from over 15 countries, including New Zealand, Mexico, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Greece, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Ireland, the United States and, of course, Belgium.

Bootcamp Highlights 2025

DAY 01 - Mycelium, Bio-Materials and Bacterial Dyeing Workshop

Day one of the program centered on sustainability and biofabrication, featuring lectures and three hands-on workshops. Participants were introduced to material driven design, including bacterial dyeing techniques, the crafting of biodegradable biomaterials, and the growth of mycelium composites.

Mycelium Workshop

One of the highlights of the day: a special session in collaboration with Annah-Ololade Sangosanya our alumna and PHD candidate at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Bacterial Dyeing Workshop

In this hands-on workshop led by Cecilia Raspanti, on bacterial dyeing, participants learned how to cultivate pigment-producing bacteria directly onto fabric and grow living colors.

Biofabricating Materials Workshop

The Biomaterial Fabrication workshop, led by Anastasia Pistofidou, explored material driven design through a variety of recipes, natural biopolymers such as alginate yarns made from seaweed, algae and gelatin based leathers and composites, looking into eco-friendly solutions for fashion, textiles, and product design.

Several DIY personalized materials were crafted during the sessions, hard and flexible bioplastics, alginate and alginate bio-threads, using various pigments, colors and local additives.

DAY 02 - Exploring Circularity, OS Circular Fashion & Permafungi Visit

Open Source Circular Fashion Workshop

A full day dedicated to exploring circular fashion and design systems. In this workshop led by Claudia Simonelli participants learned how to design adaptable garments using 3D modeling software and digital fabrication through laser cutting. They explored modular design strategies and open-source collaboration to create customizable clothing that evolves, reconfigures, and supports waste reduction and circularity in fashion.

The session on modular fashion took place at CityFab1, in collaboration with FabLabs Brussels. Participants experimented with vectorial design options and patterns, while learning how to design modular soft connections for reconfigurable patterns.

Factory visits - Permafungi

At Permafungi, in the heart of Brussels, a guided tour offered a living example of local food production. Participants gained insights into how coffee waste from local cafés is transformed into mushrooms and compost, demostrating how waste can be reimagined as a resource.

Founded in 2014, Permafungi recycles coffee grounds into mushrooms and fertilizer, advancing sustainable urban farming and circular economy.

DAY 03 - Digital Knitting/Embroidery/Felting Workshop & Focus Groups

Digital Knitting Workshop

This hands-on workshop led by Stephanie Vilayphiou from Green Fabric, explored the potential of knitting with code. Using the Kniterate machine and custom software, participants turned their digital sketches into soft, looped swatches, playing with patterns, colors and storytelling.

Digital Embroidery Workshop

This session, led by Valentine Fruchart from Green Fabric, introduced participants to digital embroidery using a 2D vector software. Through vectorial design, lines, shapes and custom fonts, they created personalized embroidered designs.

Recycling, Felting Workshop

In this hands-on workshop, participants experimented with open source machines and shredders to mechanically recycle textile waste. They learned how to process discarded fabrics into reusable fiber blends, exploring circular design through material transformation, felting, and other sustainable remanufacturing techniques.

DAY 04 - Tour in Ghent & E-textiles & Wearables Workshop

On the 4th day of the Bootcamp, participants met early in the morning heading to Ghent, for an exclusive tour of the Centexbel Research Center.
There, we had the unique opportunity to hear and learn from the researchers about their work on fibers, textiles and coatings as well as the chance to explore the center and machinery in action.

Centexbel Research Center in Ghent is a leading Belgian research center supporting the textile and plastics industries with innovative, sustainable technologies. Founded in 1950 by Fedustria, it helps companies enhance performance and integrate advanced solutions.

E-textiles & Wearables Workshop

In the afternoon, Participants explored e-textiles and wearable technology in a session led by guest lecturer Rebekka Jochem. They experimented with soft circuits, using conductive fabrics, DIY electronics, and thermochromic inks to create a customizable smart textile pouch.

DAY 05 - Focus Group, Project Development

Participants applied the week’s learning through group projects within their focus areas.

One group explored mycelium research, experimenting with natural dyeing techniques for mycelium-based leather. Another group focused on augmented traditional embroidery, blending heritage craft with electronic textiles and soft sensors. The final group investigated textile recycling and biocomposite leathers, using shredded yarns, alginates, and natural dyes to create two fully compostable bioplastic corsets.

Projects Presentation @CityFab1

Participants officially presented the projects developed in the focus groups and celebrated the closure of the Bootcamp with an aperitivo at CityFab1.

Day 06 | @MakerFaire Brussels 2025

Soft Robotics Demo

At the Maker Faire, Anastasia Pistofidou ran demos on soft robotics and inflatables, inviting the visitors to explore biomimicry through hands-on prototyping of flexible vinyl structures.

Fabricademy @MakerFaire Brussels 2025

At the Faire, we had the honor to host the exhibition showcasing groundbreaking projects developed by Fabricademy international participants and labs from around the world as well as the Boocamp Participants at Green Fabric.

Among them, interactive wearables, electronics kits, biobased material libraries, biodegradable dresses and sculptures grown with mycelium and experimental garments made through 3D printing and fabric manipulation.

Fabricademy Bootcamp 2025 Brussels was possible through the support of Green Fabric and our valuable sponsors.
With the local participation of MakerFaire Brussels and Cityfab1.

Photo Credits:
Claudia | Fabricademy
Marica De Michele

Curious to explore the Future of Textiles, Technology and Bio-Design?. Apply to Fabricademy this September at a lab close to you, anywhere in the world!

View Course Brochure and learn more about Fabricademy

50% Fabricademy Tuition Scholarship on European Wool Research

Our Node, Le Textile Lab LYON is seeking candidates interested in developing projects centered around affordable, open-source, and user-friendly technologies to support small-scale wool processing and businesses involved in the Alpine wool ecosystem.

Why Apply

Across Europe, sheep farming primarily serves the food industry, but wool—an abundant and natural byproduct—is often discarded as waste — frequently burned or illegally buried. For textile designers focused on sustainable fashion and circular economy practices, this overlooked material offers a valuable opportunity and challenge to innovate with natural fibers, reduce waste, and create eco-conscious textiles from locally sourced wool.
During the six-month Fabricademy training program, the participant will have the opportunity to develop skills in digital fabrication, biodesign, circular design, and embedded electronics, and to apply these skills to an applied research project focused on open-source solutions for small-scale wool production and design solutions.

The program follows an ethos of open innovation, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. It welcomes applicants from diverse fields—including art, design, engineering, and science—who are looking to apply their perspectives to new materials, processes, and local manufacturing.

Who Should Apply

We welcome individuals with a strong interest in fabrication, sustainability, and emerging technologies. If you want to work on real-world projects that integrate biology, design, and digital tools, and if you're motivated to contribute to collaborative innovation, this program offers the structure and support to develop your ideas.

Contribute to the establishment of a new regenerative era of European wool innovation.

This is a chance to build hands-on experience in an interdisciplinary environment that bridges creative, scientific, and technical domains. Join a global network of learners and practitioners focused on knowledge-sharing and designing solutions with impact.

We look forward to reviewing your application. Contact us at info(at)textile-academy.org for any inquiries.

Join the research of the European Ecosystem WOOLSHED and develop an in-depth project on lab scale wool production.

Check out the Program

Scholarship Details

• Scholarship Title: Woolshed Fabricademy Scholarship 2025 Lyon
• Scholarship value: Covers 50% of the Fabricademy Program Tuition Fee
• Applicants tuition: Scholarship winners pay the remaining fee (USD3750) before the program starts in September
• Eligibility: Open to students, creatives, and professionals worldwide that are interested in working on wool, open source design and machines.

Selection Criteria

• Previous Experience: Preferable in digital fabrication, 3D modeling, or programming
• Passion and motivation: Eagerness to learn, document, and share knowledge
• Open Source: Committed to collaborative and open design principles

Scholarship Conditions

• Minimum 85% attendance and review participation
• Completion of the course within the 1st Evaluation Round (April 2026)
• Adherence to program terms, conditions, and procedures
• Commitment to 30 hours per week
• No deferral; discontinuation revokes scholarship
• All work and files must be open source
• Selected work may be published by partners
• Check additional eligibility for funding or visa if applying internationally

Do not miss the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.
APPLY HERE and choose Le Textile Lab Lyon

Winners Announcement

Winners announced: July 15

For further information, please contact Fabricademy coordination at coordination@textile-academy.org. We look forward to your application!

Discover the Future of Making at Maker Faire Brussels 2025 🧵🧫⚗️

Fabricademy will be part of the upcoming International Exhibition Maker Faire Brussels 2025 🇧🇪 where we’ll be showcasing innovative participants' projects alongside work by emerging designers and researchers from across Europe! All merging new technologies, craftsmanship, digital & bio-fabrication.

You will discover mycelium-based materials, extile exploration kits, and brand-new 3Dprinted and wearable solutions - presented for the first time in Belgium.

📍Join us on May 24–25, 2025, in Brussels, for the conclusive weekend of the Fabricademy Bootcamp. A celebration of cutting-edge experimentation in fashion, tech, and circular design.

Location: FabCity 1, Brussels
Rue Dieudonné Lefèvre 160 - 1020 Brussels (Laeken)
More at: Maker Faire Brussels 2025

A sneak peek at some of the projects showcased 🔍

Ready to master new skills at the intersection between Textiles, Digital Fabrication & Biology?

Fabricademy Applications are still open for September!

Step into a global network of creators shaping the future of fashion, biology, and technology. This is your chance to design the world ahead

Apply today at a lab close to you!

40 Projects Showcasing the Future of Textiles, Technology & Biology!

Fabricademy 2024–25 has officially wrapped up, featuring 40 unique final projects from a global cohort of innovators! This year’s work pushes the boundaries of soft fabrication, material research, and open innovation.

From interactive art installations and open-source digital weaving looms to biomaterial experiments using human blood, the sustainable reuse of human hair, bio-based coatings, and digitally hand-crafted leather molding, our graduates have explored the cutting edge of fashion tech and material futures.

Ready to get inspired? 🔍

Click on any image to discover how these pioneers are shaping the future of textiles, craft, and sustainable design.

👉 Discover them all HERE

Ready to be the next pioneer?

Fabricademy Applications are still open for September 2025!

Step into a global network of creators shaping the future of fashion, biology, and technology. This is your chance to design the world ahead

Apply today at a lab close to you!

50% Scholarship for Fabricademy in Montreal, at EchoFab Montreal

Are you interested in developing a unique career path at the intersection of textiles, digital fabrication, and biology? The EchoFab Montreal Node in Montreal is offering 5 Fabricademy Scholarships that provide 50% Off tuition (equivalent to 4000 USD) for individuals aiming to gain practical skills in sustainable and technologically driven textile innovation.

Why Apply

The Fabricademy program equips participants with hands-on experience in 3D modeling, design for manufacturing, and prototyping within a Fab Lab setting. Participants will engage with topics such as biodesign, circular design, electronic textiles, wearable technology, and biobased sustainable solutions. The curriculum integrates practical learning with systems thinking, helping learners to address current challenges in the textile and fashion sectors through responsible and regenerative approaches.

The program follows an ethos of open innovation, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. It welcomes applicants from diverse fields—including art, design, engineering, and science—who are looking to apply their perspectives to new materials, processes, and production methods.

Who Should Apply

We welcome individuals with a strong interest in fabrication, sustainability, and emerging technologies. If you want to work on real-world projects that integrate biology, design, and digital tools, and if you're motivated to contribute to collaborative innovation, this program offers the structure and support to develop your ideas.

Contribute to the Future of Textile Innovation

This is a chance to build hands-on experience in an interdisciplinary environment that bridges creative, scientific, and technical domains. Join a global network of learners and practitioners focused on knowledge-sharing and designing solutions with impact.

We look forward to reviewing your application. Contact us at info(at)textile-academy.org for any inquiries.

Master new skills and tools, and become a pioneer in the field of fashion and biodesign

Check out the Program Explore Fabricademy Projects

Fabricademy Program Details

• Scholarship Title: Fabricademy Scholarship 2025 Echofab
• Scholarship value: Covers up to 50% of the Fabricademy Program Tuition Fee
• Applicants tuition: Scholarship winners pay the remaining fee before the program starts in September
• Eligibility: Open to students, creatives, and professionals worldwide

Selection Criteria

• Previous Experience: Preferable in digital fabrication, 3D modeling, or wearable tech
• Passion and motivation: Eagerness to learn, document, and share knowledge
• Open Source: Committed to collaborative and open design principles

Scholarship Conditions

• Minimum 85% attendance and review participation
• Completion of the course within the 1st Evaluation Round (April 2026)
• Adherence to program terms, conditions, and procedures
• Commitment to 30 hours per week
• No deferral; discontinuation revokes scholarship
• All work and files must be open source
• Selected work may be published by partners
• Check additional eligibility for funding or visa if applying internationally

Eligibility Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree or about to graduate
• Proficiency in English
• Apply via apply.textile-academy.org and choose EchoFab Montreal
• No specific skillset is mandatory—applicants from diverse backgrounds are welcome

For further information, please contact Fabricademy coordination at coordination@textile-academy.org. We look forward to your application!

If you've already applied to Fabricademy, email us to confirm your participation in the scholarship opportunity.

Note: This scholarship cannot be combined with other discounts (e.g., Early Bird).

Do not miss the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.

Apply now at EchoFab!

Annual Bootcamp 2025 | May 19-24, Brussels

🔗 Check the Schedule and Book your spot today at bootcamp.textile-academy.org

5 intensive days | Between sustainability, crafts and technology

The upcoming Bootcamp 2025 will be held in Brussels and hosted at our node Green Fabric between May 18-24th!

Check out the Program and plan your travel ahead to Brussels, for an immersive experience, hands-on activities with experts, factory visits and social activities.

This immersive week-long program brings together creatives, technologists, designers and professionals to explore topics such as sustainability, circular and modular fashion, digital knitting and embroidery, biomaterials design and mycelium-based composites, e-textiles, wearables and soft robotics.

During the week participants have the opportunity to visit local factories and innovation hubs, engage in networking activities and showcase their projects at the international MakerFaire Brussels.

*The bootcamp is limited to a maximum of 30 participants.

Book your spot today!

Plan your travel

The Textile Academy Bootcamp is the best introduction to the Fabricademy 6-month Program, offering a great selection of the 13 Fabricademy Classes while focusing every year on specific topics.

What to expect from the Bootcamp?

Learn from the past Fabricademy Bootcamp in Armenia

Apply here to the full course

Future Fabrics Mexico - Weaving Technology Into Tradition

Future Fabrics Mexico, Weaving Technology into tradition is a research project that aims to innovate and develop tools and solutions for the mayan artisanship through a systemic co-creation process working with mayan communities. Building upon the Future Fabrics Bhutan 2023, the focus on the Mayan weaving and the Mexican cultural heritage, while learning from the experts, and visiting craftswomen weaving communities.

The scope of the project is tackling three areas

How can we preserve traditional arts, culture & crafts?

How do we make art and culture more accessible?

Can we foster knowledge exchange and upgrade traditional tools?

Future Fabrics Mexico 2024 is a Fabricademy initiative, building upon the results of Future Fabrics Bhutan 2023, developed in collaboration with Fab Lab Yucatan, in Merida.

Future Fabrics Mexico OUTCOMES

• A online directory map of the value chain of crafts, from raw material farms to shop and education centers
• Interviews, stories and recordings of the communities
• A manifesto for the artisan's stamp
• A Yucatecan Natural Dye Manual, an online publication of palettes and dyeing recipes
• A series of digitally fabricated molds for achieving complex shapes
• An adjustable comb
• A 3D printed Educational Backstrap Loom Kit, with an instruction manual

PLACE: Local Communities

The artisan communities are spread across the Yucatan landscape. Most of the time, work takes place in homes, among families or in small communities. People come and go. Mapping and creating a directory of artisans is the most complicated task, and even though various efforts have been made by both the government and private initiatives, the directory needs to be dynamic, open for anyone to contribute, and requires continuous maintenance.

Craftswomen Communities in the Yucatan Peninsula

> Read More & Learn from the stories

MAKE: BackStrap Loom

The backstrap loom weaving technique, once a hallmark of Yucatan culture, is now on the brink of extinction, primarily due to the retirement and aging of skilled artisans.

Under our initiative, we have developed a new loom kit and accessories designed to facilitate knowledge transfer and distributed education. This loom is inspired by traditional tools, ensuring the preservation of the technique's essence. The design is open-source, allowing any Fab Lab or Makerspace worldwide to print a set. Additionally, the parts are designed for easy scalability and reproducibility, allowing current artisans in the community to easily replace missing loom pieces by creating new parts at a Fab Lab.

> Read More & Get the 3D Files

We have also developed comprehensive getting-started guides, instruction manuals, and media resources to assist artisans in the process. This is the first version of the kit, and the project is ongoing with further experimentation. The initial version is 3D printable, and we are now working on a molded and CNC version as well.

MAKE: Waste

Using natural fiber waste to make paper is highly important because cellulose is one of the most abundant materials in the world. Paper can be produced from most parts of plants, especially the more fibrous sections. This method efficiently utilizes discarded natural materials, resulting in a thick paper suitable for artistic works, packaging, and more. The color palette is extensive, as we can use fibers in their natural color, bleach them, or dye them in desired shades. Additionally, using other plant parts, such as banana peels, allows us to obtain natural green hues from the plant.

Working with the waste material from local natural fiber processing is one of the challenges we have identified. By utilizing waste fibers, we can enhance the process, making it more circular and sustainable. This approach ensures that no part of the material is wasted, contributing to a more complete and efficient production cycle.

DESIGN: Dyes

The use of natural dyes and the knowledge associated with them has been passed down through generations. The goal was to incorporate a variety of natural dye tones that artisans could easily access by sourcing the raw materials locally.

We focus on expanding the range of colors from local dyes without introducing materials outside the Yucatecan flora. We use various existing pigments already employed by some artisan groups around the peninsula, incorporating different modifiers to develop a wider range of options that can be seamlessly integrated into their artisanal practices.

>Explore the Manual of Yucatecan Natural Dyes

DESIGN: Stamps

In conversations with artisans from the Yucatán Peninsula, several challenges have been identified that hinder their growth and recognition. These include a lack of visibility and promotional strategies, as well as insufficient credit for their creations, which affects both their income and the perceived value of their work. Additional issues include inconsistent quality and commitment within cooperatives, plagiarism by other artisans, dependency on intermediaries, and limited knowledge of modern marketing strategies, which restricts their ability to connect with the final consumer.

Based on the information gathered, we have proposed a distinctive seal to identify products made by the artisans. This seal will serve as a "symbol of identity," guaranteeing the quality of each creation. For cooperatives, its use will be approved by the artisans themselves once they meet the required quality standards. Additionally, the seal will provide transparency regarding the product's origin, creator, and production date, fostering a direct connection between artisans and the final consumer. This approach enhances both the transparency and the perceived value of their products.

DESIGN: Comb & Molds

During our visit with the artisans, we discovered that combing is an essential step in fiber preparation. We observed that they comb the henequen using a nail board with a concrete backing placed on the floor. They demonstrated the process to us, which involved a lot of bending over, putting significant strain on their backs.

Molds are primarily used for the jipijapa technique and are made from solid wood. For henequen costurado, artisans may have a mold for reference to compare their work, but they do not sew directly on it. Through interviews discussing the forms and complexities they can achieve, we identified that creating squares is particularly challenging and does not come naturally to them, which is why they typically avoid making square products.

Final Exhibition in Merida

Learn more about the project

Participants of Future Fabrics 2024

Alejandro Carrillo Gomez, Aline Gonzalez Moreno, Ana Vera, Angela Barbour, Angélica Rodríguez, Anastasia Pistofidou, Annie Ferlatte, Ashley Kubley, Carolina De La Parra, Catherine Euale, Claudia Simonelli, Delia Barriga, Hafey Viktoría Hallgrímsdóttir, Jinger Zeng, Melissa Jurado Ledón, Murad Saadeh, Nelly Puertas, Roberta Schreyer, Shannon Hoover, Shannon Sykes, Yuki Takemura

Over the years, cultural and artistic expressions have been constantly transforming through technology, finding their impetus in the global communication facilitated by the Internet. The emergence of digital fabrication has reshaped the concepts of design, manufacturing, and consumption, with artists at the forefront, pushing boundaries and constructing new imaginaries.

ARTeFAB - Puebla, Mexico - International Exhibition highlights the imminent impact of technological progress within the creative essence of human nature.

Nestled in the historic Ex-hospital of San Roque in Puebla, ArteFab transformed digital fabrication into an expressive medium, offering a playground where sculptures, interactive installations, machines and eco-futuristic fashion pieces collided with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and CNC machining and artisanal processes.

ArteFab International Exhibition was held in Puebla between July and August 2024, part of the Fab24 - Mexico International Fab Lab Conference and was curated by Alberto Blanco, Anastasia Pistofidou, Maricruz Chavez Garcia and Raul Babines, with the support of Fabricademy, Fab24 and Fab Foundation.

Among the topics investigated in the showcase by selected designers all over the world were: Bio Inspired, Craft Encounters, Embodied Dialogues, Responsive intelligence, Sculpting algorithms, Useless Machines.

Some of the International Project Showcased

> Bio Inspired

(biobased, biomimetic, biofabricated) looks into bio based, biomimetic, digitally fabricated or grown artworks that question humanity’s planetary impact and reimagine the materials and the processes of making.

> Craft Encounters

Brings new aesthetics to our culture and heritage and gives meaning to the digital crafts, looking into ancestral futures.

> Embodied Dialogues

Shows how technologies can augment the body using digital fashion and implementing wearable technologies in accessories, textiles, and prosthetics.

> Sculpting Algorithms

> Useless Machines

controversies of developing technology for the sake of technology. It presents inventions, hacks, new tools and recycled parts.

Photos: Claudia Simonelli

Participants of ArteFab 2024

Abigail Garcia, Ailyn Chang, Alberto Blanco, Alejandro Ortega, Anastasia Pistofidou - FabTextiles, Andrea García, Andrea San Roman, Angela Barbour, Angélica Rodríguez Alcocer, Antero Vejarano Velasquez, Batoul Al-Rashdan, Blanquita del Carmen-Jhoselin Ticllacuri Esteban, Carlos José Ramírez Pérez, Cynthia Gómez, Dineshkumar Gunasekaran, Francisco Flores, Georgina Rivera, Hakira Shumay Quispe Hurtado, Karen Antoinnette Honorio Carrillo, Laura Regina de Sá Oliveira, Laura Weller, Mariani Gutierrez, Maricruz Chavez, Misden Delgado, Monserrat Islas, Nelly Puertas Gallegos, Paola González Osuna, Paulina Hernández Galeana, Rafaella de Castro Lacerda, Raquel Bettega, Raul Babines, Renata Salinas Pavia, Roxana Rivero Castañeda, Salma Merari Zavala Duran, Shahed Jahmour, Shannon Sykes, Stephanie Johnson, Stephanie Santos, Suhaib Kamal, Surzhana Radnaeva, Valeria Corona Berlanga, Yahir González, Zahia Albakri

Learn more about the projects

The Beyond Fashion Runway 2024 held in Puebla in August 2024 was part of the larger Fab24 - Mexico International Fab Lab Conference that brought together innovators, designers, and makers from around the world.
The runway explored the intersection of digital fabrication, sustainability, and digital craftsmanship, showcasing a series of projects by 41 selected emergent designers of various nationalities, including Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Jordan, El Salvador, Spain, Irland, Luxembourg, US, India..

Organized by Fabricademy, in collaboration 3D Fashion Week and Ibero Puebla IDIT with the support of Fab24 and Fab Foundation, the event aimed to support and encourage innovation and sustainability as well as the promotion of traditional crafts, local heritage and technology in the fashion industry.

Designers presented their forward-thinking creations in an eco-futuristic runway, showcasing garments that went beyond aesthetics, incorporating digital crafting, upcycling, and responsive materials</strong. Participants focused on themes such as circular design, recycling, and experimental textiles, with a goal of promoting sustainable and tech-integrated fashion for the future. The event was a platform for visionary designers to showcase alternative approaches to fashion production and consumption.

Some of the International Project Showcased

This initiative reflects Fabricademy’s ongoing effort to integrate sustainability into the fashion industry by blending tradition with digital innovation.

Photo Credits: Regina Cotera

Photo Credits: Valentina Villegas & Regina Cotera

Photos: Grace Gershenfeld

Beyond Fashion Runway 2024 took place on August 8, 2024, at the historical Ex-Hospital De San Roque in Puebla, as part of Fab24 Mexico, which ran from August 5 to 9, 2024, offering workshops, symposiums, and collaborative activities across the digital fabrication and maker communities.

Behind the scenes

Photo: Grace Gershenfeld

Participants of Beyond Fashion 2024

Abigail Garcia, Ailyn Chang, Alberto Blanco, Alejandro Ortega, Anastasia Pistofidou - FabTextiles, Andrea García, Andrea San Roman, Angela Barbour, Angélica Rodríguez Alcocer, Antero Vejarano Velasquez, Batoul Al-Rashdan, Blanquita del Carmen-Jhoselin Ticllacuri Esteban, Carlos José Ramírez Pérez, Cynthia Gómez, Dineshkumar Gunasekaran, Francisco Flores, Georgina Rivera, Hakira Shumay Quispe Hurtado, Karen Antoinnette Honorio Carrillo, Laura Regina de Sá Oliveira, Laura Weller, Mariani Gutierrez, Maricruz Chavez, Misden Delgado, Monserrat Islas, Nelly Puertas Gallegos, Paola González Osuna, Paulina Hernández Galeana, Rafaella de Castro Lacerda, Raquel Bettega, Raul Babines, Renata Salinas Pavia, Roxana Rivero Castañeda, Salma Merari Zavala Duran, Shannon Sykes, Stephanie Johnson, Stephanie Santos, Surzhana Radnaeva, Valeria Corona Berlanga, Yahir González, Zahia Albakri

With the Collaboration & Support of Local and International Institutions

#FABRICAMP 2024 ARMENIA | Yerevan, Dilijan, Gyumri

In collaboration with Fab Lab Armenia and AGBU Armenia

The annual Textile Academy Bootcamp in Armenia 🇦🇲 was an incredible experience! Participants from over 25 countries came together for an intensive week of learning and discovery, networking and collaboration.

Together with Fab Lab Armenia, we immersed ourselves in the local Armenian heritage by visiting museums, ateliers, Armenian landmarks and UNESCO sites.
Inspired by the local culture, we crafted projects that blended bio and digital fabrication processes, electronics, and cutting-edge technologies, while exchanging knowledge with local artisans and experts from different institutions.

Video by punj.syndicate

Bootcamp Highlights 2024

Day 1, 📍 Silk Road Hotel, Yerevan

We had the pleasure to kickoff the Bootcamp at the stunning Silk Road Hotel in Yerevan.
Together with the participants, we involved ourselves in an unique experience with local artisans, getting to know each other through making and exploring the traditional weaving techniques typical of the Armenian rugs.

We also had the opportunity to discover the local Wool and experience the fascinating process of transforming raw material into vibrant and textured felt balls, through layering, wet felting and shaping techniques.

Armenian weaving and felting are deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage. During the first day of workshops, participants explored the art of Armenian carpet weaving, learning traditional techniques passed down through generations. These carpets are renowned for their detailed patterns and vibrant colors, each telling a unique story. The felting workshops offered a hands-on experience in creating felt balls, a craft that highlights the skill and creativity of Armenian artisans.

Day 2, 📍 Visit at Lusik Aguletsi, Yerevan

Participants had the privilege of a private tour at Lusik Aguletsi’s art studio in Yerevan, where they could admire her paintings up close and gain insights into her unique creative process.

The house museum features an extensive collection of Armenian clothing, jewelry, and distinctive handcrafted furniture pieces.

Lusik Aguletsi, (born in Nakhichevan, 1946) was a renowned Armenian painter, ethnographer, and Honored Cultural Worker. Recognized as the last person in Yerevan to regularly wear traditional Armenian attire, she significantly contributed to Armenian cultural heritage.

Day 2, 📍 Visit and Workshop at Woolway studios, Yerevan

During the second day of the Bootcamp, Participants delved into the art of mordanting, dye extraction, and color application. Each step unveils the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations, showcasing the harmony between nature and craftsmanship. As they experimented with the dyes, they witnessed the magic of creating unique shades that mirror the landscape and cultural heritage of Armenia.

The workshop offered insights into the cultural significance of colors and dyeing practices in Armenian traditions. Participants engaged in discussions with passionate artisans, who shared stories about the symbolism embedded in each color and the historical importance of dyeing in Armenian textiles.

Wool Way's goal is to produce hand-dyed wool yarn of the highest quality in an environmentally friendly environment, for the creation of exquisite hand-woven carpets, as well as for the restoration of antique oriental carpets and tapestries.

Among the dyes and techniques explored, natural dyes on wool and cotton, shibori, eco-printing, with indigo, cochineal, lac, St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Day 3, 📍 Dilijan: Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery, Fab Lab Armenia

The historic Sevanavank Monastery, situated on a peninsula by the lake, offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Armenia's rich cultural history. Lake Sevan is a must-visit destination for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

We began the third day of Bootcamp with a trip to Dilijan, stopping at Lake Sevan for a coffee break and visiting the iconic monastery and its picturesque surroundings.

Lake Sevan is the largest alpine lake in the Caucasus, adorned with the iconic Sevanavank monastery, creates a picturesque marvel known as the "Pearl of Armenia."

Day 3, 📍 Dilijan: Fab Lab Armenia, Digital Fabrication Workshops

The first day of digital fabrication at the Fab Lab!
We arrived at the gorgeous Fab Lab Armenia, immersed in the forest of Dilijan, home for the next 3 days of hands-on activities.

3D Printing on Fabrics

3D printing technology for textiles allows to customize, decorate, shape and reshape textiles and fabrics in many ways. During the demo on Computational Design & 3D Printing on fabrics, participants learned how to design and 3D print rigid and flexible patterns and structures on fabrics / for fabrics / as fabrics, exploring different materials and techniques.

Open Source Circular Fashion

During the afternoon, participants learned how to design and laser cut seamless reconfigurable garments through 3d modeling software and laser cutting, different materials and techniques.

The focus is to create modular elements, structures and connections that allow the user to change the shape of a garment, resize it or replace certain elements; the soft connection can be designed to be implemented in the assembly of a garment, being applied on the seams or it can be designed as single elements that act as construction parts of a garment.

Day 4, 📍 Dilijan: Fab Lab Armenia, Leather Molding & BioMaterials, Bacteria Cellulose

In this workshop Participants experienced the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, while they learned about digital design for CNC and the different stages of leather molding.

Leather Molding

Guided by Fabricademy, participants learned essential techniques for wet molding leather, including soaking, shaping, and drying processes. Participants were provided with various molds and tools to create unique designs, experimenting with textures and forms. Throughout the workshop, there was a focus on both traditional methods and modern innovations in leather crafting.

The workshop also introduced participants to a series of open source tools and machines that can be designed and fabricated in any Fab Lab.
We demonstrated the use of the vacuum forming machine, made at Fab Lab Armenia, as a crucial device for shaping materials. It utilizes vacuum pressure to mold the leather over a CNC mold.

Bacteria Cellulose

The workshop on bacterial cellulose provided an overview of its unique properties and sustainable applications. Participants learned about the fermentation process, observed cultivation, and potential applications.

Together we experimented with different recipes for growing bacteria cellulose with wine, beer and tea.

We also experimented with SCOBY mothers and bacterial cellulose sheets to create innovative biomaterials, exploring different molds, textures, and designs.

BioMaterials

During the activity, participants were introduced to the biomaterial fabrication and, together with the Fabricademy team, they explored material alternatives to the current ones, different recipes, ingredients and processes.

Several DIY personalized materials were crafted during the sessions, hard and flexible bioplastics, alginate and alginate bio-threads, using different pigments, colors and local additives.

Day 5, 📍 Dilijan: Fab Lab Armenia, Electronics & OS Hardware

Discovering the world of electronics!

E-textiles and Wearables hands-on

Supported by Fabricademy team and Fab Lab Armenia Staff, participants learned how to design and craft their own soft circuits and sensors, experimenting with conductive fabrics and threads, merging local materials and traditional techniques with digital fabrication processes and DIY electronics.

Open Source Hardware - Cyanotype Machine, Tools and Textiles

Fab Lab Armenia Staff showcasing the ARPI UV Machine they fabricated in the lab for creating cyanotype prints using a UV light DIY CNC machine.
This combination of traditional techniques and modern technology allowed for the creation of intricate and detailed cyanotype prints.

Focus Group: Project Development

An intense brainstorming session prompted participants to reflect on the entire week, including museum visits, local history, and landmarks, to inspire their final projects.

The session focused on local heritage, reimagined through digital fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting seamless modules. This influence was evident in the participants' choice of symbols, materials and color palette.

Participants iterating their final outcomes to be showcased at the final exhibition

Day 6, 📍 A day in Gyumri

Gyumri, a city with a rich cultural heritage in Armenia, stands out for its unique blend of history, architecture, and artistic expression. Renowned for its distinct charm, Gyumri boasts a collection of well-preserved traditional Armenian architecture, characterized by intricate stone carvings and cobblestone streets.

On the last morning of the Bootcamp, participants had the chance to wander through the vibrant heart of Gyumri, immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere and exploring the array of buildings, local galleries and museums, typical shops and cafés during their free time.

Lentex Factory Visit

Visiting the Lentex Factory in Gyumri provided a captivating journey into Armenian craftsmanship and tradition.

Participants gained insights into the processes, machinery, and materials at the Lentex Factory. Vibrant colors and intricate patterns within the textiles tell stories of heritage, seamlessly blending modern technology with age-old craftsmanship.

Founded in Gyumri in 2002, Lentex Factory is Armenia's largest hosiery and knitwear manufacturer, offering a diverse range of high-quality products.

Hands-on: Tech & Crafts - Cyanotype, Linotype, Batik - Printing Techniques and Textiles

At the Fine Arts Academy of Fashion, together with the Lab Staff, participants actively participated in a series of unique workshops on three different textile printing techniques: Batik printing, Cyanotype Printing and Linotype Printing.

Batik workshop

In the batik workshop, participants learned the traditional art of applying wax and dye to fabric to create typical armenian patterns. Guided by skilled artisans, they practiced designing, waxing, and dyeing their own textiles.

Linotype workshop

In the linotype workshop, participants designed and carved traditional Armenian patterns on linoleum, then learned how to use the linotype technique to print these designs onto canvas bags and textiles by operating the machine. They mastered the intricacies of the printing process, producing beautifully detailed designs.

Cyanotype workshop

In the cyanotype workshop, participants used local flowers and items collected along their journey to create unique prints. They learned to apply light-sensitive chemicals to paper, arrange their found objects, and expose them to UV light to develop stunning blue-toned images. This hands-on experience combined traditional cyanotype techniques with the natural beauty of their surroundings, resulting in personal and artistic creations.

Since 1997, Gyumri branch of Armenia's State Academy of Fine Arts has been offering local talent with hometown higher education opportunities.

Day 7, 📍 AGBU, Yerevan

The culminating event featured an open exhibition that showcased both local and international projects to the community.

At AGBU, we had the honor to host the exhibition featuring 3D printed garments, wearable devices, digital crafted projects and bio-based solutions developed by our students internationally.
Bootcamp's participants as well showcased their outcomes developed during the week, among them biomaterials research, modular and reconfigurable structures and full dresses at the intersection between tech and crafts, inspired by the local visits.

📍Fabricademy International Exhibition, Yerevan

Participant's designs showcased along with Fabricademy Projects

📍Closing Ceremony at Megerian Carpet, Yerevan

The Closing Ceremony and dinner for participants was organized at the Megerian Carpet Museum, renowned establishment, crafting exquisite handmade carpets that blend traditional Armenian artistry with contemporary elegance.

Megerian Carpet in Yerevan is a renowned establishment dedicated to the art of traditional Armenian carpet weaving. Established over a century ago, Megerian Carpet combines ancient techniques with contemporary designs to produce exquisite handmade rugs. Visitors to the Yerevan showroom and factory can witness the intricate process of carpet making, from dyeing the wool with natural colors to hand-knotting the patterns.

Fabricademy Bootcamp 2024 Armenia was possible through the support of Fab Lab Armenia and AGBU Armenia - Katapult and our sponsors.

With the local participation of OpenDot and Fab Foundation

Photo Credits:
Claudia | Fabricademy
Maria, Mushegh | punj.syndicate

Do not miss the chance to Apply to #Fabricademy 2024-25 from All Over the World!

Applications will close August 31, 2024.

Apply to win Fabricademy 2024-25 Scholarship to study the future of Fashion & Technology at a lab close to you!

Fabricademy is pleased to announce the availability of 16 FABRICADEMY 50% Scholarships 1 Scholarship per Node, for 16 Fabricademy applicants worldwide!

The scholarships aim to support exceptional individuals facing financial constraints cover their 6-month Academy tuition fees at selected locations.

Apply today to win a Fabricademy Scholarship apply.textile-academy.org

Fabricademy Program Details

• Scholarship Title: Fabricademy Scholarship 2024

• Scholarship value: The Scholarship cover up to 50% of the Fabricademy Program Tuition Fee Worldwide

• Applicants tuition: Applicant scholarship's winners will pay the remaining fee to Fabricademy Coordination before the start of the Program in September.

• Eligibility: Open to students, creative and professionals from all over the world.

Application Deadline: May 31st

Scholarship Duration: April 25th to May 31st 2024

Selection Criteria

• Previous Experience: Applicants with previous experience in digital fabrication, 3D modeling or wearable technology will be preferred.

• Project Proposal: Applicants are required to send a proposal of the project they would like to develop during the program

• Passion and motivation: A strong passion for learning, documenting and sharing knowledge with the community. A commitment to making a positive impact.

• Open Source: Embracing the value and following the practice of open source, encourage collaboration and sharing.

Scholarship Conditions

• Participants with scholarships must attend a minimum of 85% of classes and Reviews.

• Participants with scholarships must complete the course within the 1st Evaluation Round (April 2025).

• Participants with scholarships must comply with the program Terms & Conditions and Procedures.

• Participants commit to dedicate a minimum of 30 hours weekly to the program.

• Participants with scholarships cannot defer their grant for the following years. If students discontinue the course, the scholarship will be terminated, and Central Coordination may require payment of full fees. Project design and files, as a rule of Fabricademy, will be open source.

• Participants that will be selected accept that part of their work will be published on Websites and/or Social Media channels of the partners involved.

• International students are encouraged to apply; however, it is essential to verify any additional eligibility requirements for funding and visa purposes.

In order to participate, candidates interested in the Fabricademy Scholarship Competition must:

• Hold a first-level academic diploma or Bachelor's degree, or are about to graduate within the academic year of the program

• Have a proficiency level in English

• Complete the application form at apply.textile-academy.org by choosing the lab of your interest.

• Applicants from different disciplines are accepted, there are not any requirements for specific skills.

For further information, please contact Fabricademy coordination at coordination@textile-academy.org. We look forward to receiving your application and witnessing the transformative impact of your research or studies.

If you have already applied to the Fabricademy program, please send an email to coordination@textile-academy.org to communicate that you are participating in the scholarship opportunity as well.

Please note that the Scholarship Opportunity discount is not cumulative with the Early Bird discount offered until the end of May.

Do not miss the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Apply now!

Scholarship Application Deadline

• Start date: April 29th
• End date: May 31st
• Winners announced: June 2024

Winners Announcement

Fabricademy Coordination releases the name of the winners on their social networks and web pages.

FUTURE FABRICS | Working Group

Yucatan | Mexico, July 26th to August 2nd, 2024

🧶 **Makers tackling the topic of cultural preservation: Future Fabrics Mexico - Weaving Technology Into Tradition.**💡

Future Fabrics, the winning Bhutan Fab City Challenge project strikes again, with a focus on the Mayan eaving and the Mexican cultural heritage.

This summer follow the Fabricademy team, the Future Fabrics group and Fab Lab Yucatan, in their immersive journey into the local tradition of weaving, while learning from the experts, and visiting craftswomen weaving communities.

Building upon the methodology developed in Bhutan, the project solutions that will be developed during the week will be oriented towards three main scopes.

• How can we preserve traditional arts, culture & crafts
• How do we make art and culture more accessible
• Can we foster knowledge exchange and upgrade traditional tools?

Concretely, we seek to research and develop:

• A downloadable digital vector pattern library of Mayan symbols
• A second version of an educational weaving kit for kids
• An assistive solution for the traditional back-strap loom

🌐 WORLDWIDE PARTICIPANTS

Makers and enthusiasts from various disciplines were invited to participate. We will soon reveal the 20 participants in the Future Fabrics working group in Mexico.

🛠️ ORGANIZERS

Future Fabrics Mexico is led by Fabricademy, in collaboration with Future Fabrics Group and it is hosted by Fab Lab Yucatan, in Merida.

Future Fabrics MEXICO is building upon the results of Future Fabrics Bhutan. All participants are invited to review the open and extensive documentation of Fab23 Challenge in Bhutan in order to get a better understanding and overview of the scope of the project.

Future Fabrics will be held from July 26th to August 2nd, 2024, in Fab Lab Yucatan, Merida.

More updates will be released soon. Stay tuned to find our more on our #Fabricademy social media accounts and on Fab 24 event!

7 intensive days | 🇦🇲 Between crafts and technology

Among the cities of Yerevan - Dilijan - Gyumri

May 26th-June 1st, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the Textile Academy 2024 Bootcamp in Armenia!

**This May, join us for an intensive week of hands-on workshops with international experts and locals, cultural visits and social events, distributed across the country, among the cities of Yerevan, Dilijan and Gyumri.**🏞

Together with Fabricademy, during the week participants will explore crafts, digital and bio fabrication through a series of activities hosted at Fab Lab Armenia and in specific locations.

Participants will engage in various traditional practices, such as weaving kilim and rugs, felting, and dyeing wool using locally sourced ingredients. They will also delve into ancient techniques like batik, cyanotype, and linotype, merging craftsmanship with digital fabrication technology and DIY machines.

Moreover, they will learn how to biofabricate biomaterials as sustainable alternatives to the current ones. They will apply principles of digital and computational design for 3D printing on textiles and develop 3D models for leather molding.

In addition, participants will explore the world of soft robotics and wearable technology. The focus will be on creating inflatable designs and soft robots, while also learning about conductive materials and crafting soft sensors and circuits for wearable applications.

Limited seats available.

🔗 Check the Schedule and Book your spot today at bootcamp.textile-academy.org

📔 Plan your travel ahead!
Learn everything you need to know about Armenia and Fabricademy Bootcamp 2024.

Event in collaboration with Fab Lab Armenia and AGBU Armenia - Katapult