01 concept

Concept: Bioplastic-Crochet Wearables

The 5'Ws

1. Who

I am exploring the combination of textile craftsmanship, biomaterials, and sustainable fashion for myself. As a Rwandan entrepreneur, I see great potential in using eco-friendly materials with traditional techniques like crochet and knitting. My goal is to create durable, beautiful, and sustainable handmade fashion.

I am also doing this for women and youth who want to learn new skills and wear unique, sustainable clothing. Through Unique Crochet Ltd, I train young artisans, including those with disabilities, helping them build careers in textile craftsmanship.

I collaborate with Fabricademy, biofabrication researchers, designers, and entrepreneurs in sustainable fashion. Together, we experiment with natural materials to create eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fabrics.

2. What

I am researching and experimenting with natural materials such as plant fibers, fruit waste, starch, and other biomaterials to create sustainable textile alternatives. My focus is on developing:

1) Bioplastics from agricultural waste (such as tree tomato waste)
2) Bio-composites that integrate natural fibers with eco-friendly binders
3) Bio-yarns and biodegradable textiles
4) Modular crochet structures that reduce material waste
5) Natural dyes sourced from plants for sustainable textile coloration

Inspired by the principles of circular design, I aim to develop textiles and materials that minimize environmental impact while offering functional and aesthetic value. My designs take inspiration from geometry, nature, and traditional Rwandan textile arts, integrating biomaterials into wearable and decorative pieces.

For my Fabricademy final project, I will create a prototype that explores the fusion of crochet and biomaterials, demonstrating how handmade textiles can evolve with sustainability and technology.

Through this work, I aim to redefine handmade fashion with sustainable, innovative materials that blend tradition, craftsmanship, and modern technology.

3. When

The project spans 12-14 weeks within the Fabricademy timeline, involving research, experimentation, prototyping, and documentation phases.

4. Where

I work on product development at Unique Crochet Ltd, my Made-in-Rwanda business specializing in crochet, knitting, and bio-textile innovation. My workspace is a combination of my home studio, where I experiment with new crochet techniques and biomaterials, and Fabricademy, where I develop sustainable textile solutions using digital fabrication tools.

I envision collaborating with women and youth across Rwanda, training them in crochet, knitting, and bio-based textiles to create sustainable fashion pieces. Through my work, I aim to empower artisans with skills in modular design, zero-waste fashion, and material innovation.

I also engage with higher education institutions, business incubators, and maker spaces, where I share knowledge, conduct research, and explore new ways to integrate biomaterials with traditional textile craftsmanship.

Where the materials come from

The natural fibers and biomaterials I explore originate from agricultural waste, plant-based polymers, and locally available resources. For instance, my bioplastic experiments use tree tomato waste, a material abundant in Rwanda, transforming it into eco-friendly textiles.

The inspiration for my designs comes from nature, geometry, and traditional Rwandan textile arts, with a focus on sustainability. Just as poison dart frogs thrive in humid, shaded environments, the biomaterials I develop require careful formulation—balancing moisture, flexibility, and durability to ensure long-lasting fashion applications.

By merging traditional craft techniques with sustainable material science, I aim to redefine textile production in Rwanda and beyond, making eco-conscious fashion both accessible and innovative.

5. Why

I do this because fashion and textiles should be both beautiful and sustainable. The world is shifting toward eco-friendly, circular fashion, and I want to be part of that transformation. As the founder of Unique Crochet Ltd, I have seen how handcrafted textiles can create jobs, empower communities, and preserve traditional skills. However, the industry still relies heavily on synthetic fibers and unsustainable production methods. By integrating biomaterials, digital fabrication, and modular design, I can offer innovative solutions that reduce waste and environmental harm.

I also do this to empower women and youth. Many young people in Rwanda struggle with unemployment, and by training them in crochet, knitting, and bio-textile development, I provide them with valuable skills to create their own income. This is more than just fashion—it’s about economic empowerment, creativity, and self-sufficiency.

Another reason is to showcase Made-in-Rwanda innovation. Rwanda is known for its commitment to sustainability, but the fashion industry still relies on imported materials. By developing local biomaterials like tree tomato-based bioplastic, I aim to prove that Rwanda can lead in sustainable textile production.

Finally, I do this because the future of textiles depends on responsible innovation. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and biomaterials opens up endless possibilities for fashion that is modular, biodegradable, and zero-waste. Through Fabricademy, I am learning cutting-edge techniques that allow me to merge craft with technology, ensuring that my designs are not only beautiful but also regenerative and forward-thinking.

This is my mission: to create a future where fashion respects both people and the planet.

6. How

I am achieving this by combining traditional craftsmanship, biomaterials, and digital fabrication techniques. My approach involves:

  1. Exploring Biomaterials for Sustainable Fashion
  2. Experimenting with tree tomato-based bioplastics to create flexible, durable, and biodegradable materials.
  3. Researching natural dyes and biochromes from plant-based sources to create eco-friendly color palettes.

  4. Investigating bio-fabrication techniques like biocomposites and bioleather to replace synthetic textiles.

  5. Integrating Modular & Circular Design in Crochet

  6. Developing interlocking crochet patterns that can be assembled, disassembled, and repurposed to extend the lifespan of clothing.

  7. Using parametric and computational design to create modular textile structures that reduce material waste.

  8. Bridging Traditional and Digital Techniques

  9. Learning and applying 3D modeling and digital fabrication tools like MakeHuman, Slicer, and Visual Studio to enhance my designs.
  10. Experimenting with computerized knitting inspired by Changshu Guosheng Knitting Machinery Factory to innovate within the crochet and knitwear industry.

  11. Exploring pixel integration in textiles, merging digital aesthetics with handmade craftsmanship.

  12. Empowering Women & Youth Through Training

  13. Running Unique Crochet Ltd as a platform for training young people, especially women and those with disabilities, in crochet, knitting, and textile innovation.

  14. Offering hands-on workshops in bio-based materials, sustainable design, and entrepreneurship, ensuring future generations can benefit from this knowledge.

  15. Leveraging Open-Source & Community Collaboration

  16. Engaging with Fabricademy, open-source hardware initiatives, and local sustainability movements to advance research and development.
  17. Documenting and sharing my findings to contribute to the global conversation on sustainable textiles and biofabrication.

By combining these methods, I am redefining fashion in Rwanda—one that is sustainable, innovative, and deeply connected to both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.