Envisions

Re_Work

In 2024, the TextielMuseum commissioned design collective Envisions to create a circular table linen collection inspired by diaper damast from the museum’s collection. Diaper damast, is a simple form of damask that was historically used as an everyday table linen. 

During the development process, different recycled yarns were tested to understand how shrinkage, structure, and texture would affect the fabric. For ‘Re_Work’, yarns from a local spinning mill, made from old workwear, were ultimately selected. 

An important challenge in the design was incorporating woven cutting lines. These lines make it possible to cut the table linen easily and repurpose it, for example as a table runner, as napkins or cleaning cloths. The fabric was designed to fray minimally after cutting. The final result consists of a tablecloth in three sizes, plus a table runner. 

The ‘Re_Work’ table linen comes with a specially developed product passport. This passport provides insight into the materials used and their provenance and aligns with forthcoming European legislation on transparency and sustainability. 

The product was launched during Dutch Design Week, from 18 to 26 October in Eindhoven, and is currently on display at the TextielMuseum in the exhibition ‘Setting the table sustainably’ from 24 May 2025 to 10 January 2027. It is also available for purchase in the  TextielShop. 

Photography by Josefina Eikenaar and Patty van den Elshout commissioned by TextielMuseum and photography by Ronald Smits