How We Co-Created The Krafters' Rug

If the Krafters ever had a flagship product, it will most likely be their classic 50cm rug. Round like cookies and eye-catching like gigantic lollipops, these rugs are accent pieces that can complete the look of your favourite space.

More importantly, they are braided by the hands of someone trying her very best to earn her own keep, with her own hands.

If you have heard of our story, you will probably know how our products are co-created. This means that we bring communities-in-need, artists and designers in to create a product together. Through this process, we hope to share stories, skill-sets and knowledge to one another, and help chart a journey to financial independence.

Here's how the process came about:

Step 1: Working together for product development ideas

We first start off by asking about the skills and strengths that the teams have, and bringing in opinions from designers and artists to explore ideal materials and colour combinations.

Photo by Artem Bali on Unsplash

Step 2: Purchase of excess fabrics from huge manufacturing factories

For those who are familiar with the concept of upcycling, this is what the Krafters believe in. Purchasing excess fabrics from large factories, the team gave them a new life by combining strips together to braid rugs.

Step 3: Colour and fabric selection

The Krafters first select the right colours and fabric. Due to the nature of upcycling, many rugs are often one-of-a-kind (it's gone once it's sold out) and some colours cannot be purchased in bulk.

Step 4: Braid fabrics together

It is important to maintain a consistent pattern with the fabrics as the sewing Krafter braids the fabric together, rope by rope.

Step 5: Sew and secure rug into place

This is a highly challenging step, as the braiding team has to secure the rope rightly together so that the whole shape of the rug can be maintained. The effort behind this craft also results in an unique finishing to each and every rug.

Step 6: Quality check by both teams in Phnom Penh and Singapore

After completing the rugs, the braiding team will check on the quality before sending it over to Singapore. Sometimes, constructive feedback will be given so that mistakes can be corrected and avoided in the future.

The rugs are then be sent to Singapore, and go through a quality check for a second time before the Singapore team adds on the finishing touch with the packaging and labels.

Step 7: Passing the rug into your hands

The last step is super important, because we appreciate every single person supporting us in this project. It is always a joy to meet people who see the value in our craft, and we always look forward to more encounters like such :)