Under Construction: Repair and Rework Kit
Exploring Needlework, DIY and Sustainable Fashion
U.E.E. Thomas (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
J.S. Love – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence)
A.I. Keller – Mentor (TU Delft - Society, Culture and Critique)
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Abstract
The current fashion industry is characterized by overconsumption, disposability, and a loss of knowledge about textiles. This thesis investigates how needlework, which was once a more prevalent, can be repositioned through design to support sustainable fashion practices, particularly among young people in the Netherlands. Through a combination of historical research, stakeholder interviews, and design, this project explores how repair, rework, and DIY culture can contribute to garment longevity and empowerment.
The research identifies that while young people are increasingly interested in sustainable fashion, many lack the skills and knowledge to repair or rework their clothes. At the same time, traditional education and commercial systems provide limited support for developing these practical skills. Drawing from these insights, the final design concept is the "Under Construction: Repair & Rework Kit". This is a hands-on toolkit that introduces basic needlework skills through an accessible and guided experience. The kit encourages users to make their own tool pouch before moving on to repairing garments, lowering the barrier to entry, as this step introduces them to key techniques needed for repair. The kit is available as an opensource resource, so expert needleworkers can create a self-made kit, to gift to beginner needleworkers.
The evaluation of the prototype demonstrated that the kit has value to beginner needleworkers, who perceive their lack of knowledge as a barrier. Repair and Rework practices are threatened by the guided experience of the kit. There is also a personalisation step that empowers users to take ownership of their kit. This highlights how design can facilitate learning-by-doing and foster a sense of agency in sustainable behavior. This thesis shows that design interventions rooted in needlework and DIY can revive lost knowledge, promote sustainable consumption, and contribute to personal and environmental well-being. Ultimately, by reconnecting people with the process of making, we can challenge the fast fashion model and inspire more meaningful relationships with our clothing.