Fold ‘em up loom to ease weaver’s burden

Kerala’s ailing traditional weaving sector can look forward to the newly introduced Loom Cot, an innovative design developed by the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Kannur, addressing the problem of space shortage in setting up handlooms at homes.

This multifunctional cot would serve the purpose of both loom and as well as cot in a normal bedroom. Abdul Kareem Chelari, Executive Director, IIHT told Business Line that space scarcity in houses in installing traditional handlooms is a problem and this has prompted IIHT to look for an new design. The space shortage had even forced many workers especially women folks to abandon weaving and the introduction of Loom Cot is expected to revolutionise the traditional weaving sector in Kerala, he said.

This new device, he said, would be ideal for small families having limited area in their homes, as the new design is very compact and can be easily folded into a cot once the day’s work is over. The Loom Cot was introduced in the market in Kochi the other day by the State Industries Minister P.K.Kunhalikkutty.

The State Government has extended a financial assistance of ₹21 lakh to develop the product. According to Chelari, the traditional handloom sector today is passing through a difficult phase with the shifting of workers from weaving especially due to the improvement in their socio economic conditions. However, the women folk are still interested in pursuing traditional weaving but lack of space in their houses deterring them to carry out the job.

He said it could be used for weaving even at leisure. It looks like a box and its compartments can be opened one by one to convert into a full-fledged loom. Another advantage is that the unfinished fabric of the yarn on the loom will be protected within the closed chamber of the loom when it is not used for weaving.

The estimated cost of the product will be ₹1 lakh and this would come down once the commercial production starts. IIHT has also initiated steps to secure patent for the product. The institute will provide adequate training for people in the Loom Cot.