Microbial Weaving Workshop

Exploring Bacterial Cellulose Yarn-Making Techniques

Join us for a hands-on deep dive into the world of biofabricated textiles. In this immersive workshop, you’ll explore the potential of bacterial cellulose as a sustainable fibre for future fashion and design. Participants will learn how to grow, spin, weave and dye their own bio-based yarns using techniques adapted specifically for biodesigners.

From cultivating microbial cultures to weaving with freshly grown threads, this workshop bridges traditional textile craft and cutting-edge biodesign. You’ll leave with your own sample set of experimental yarns and woven swatches, as well as the skills and resources to continue exploring at home.

Don’t miss this hands-on experience at Lifefabs, where craft, science, and regenerative design come together to reimagine the future of fiber.

You will learn:

• Bacterial cellulose cultivation
• Biofabricating yarns
• Yarn making techniques
• Techniques of working with novel materials

You will take home:

• Starter solution
• 3D file for yarn bio fabrication
• Protocols for cultivating bacterial yarn
• Woven and/or knitted samples

Meet your instructors

Akir Hall

Akir is a London-based biodesigner and material researcher working at the intersection of biofabrication and craft. A graduate of the MA Biodesign, Akir works with living systems blending artisanal techniques with biotechnology to develop products grown from bacteria, fungi.

Alongside his studio practice, Akir shares his research through lectures and hands-on workshops designed to make complex biotechnologies accessible to designers, artists, and makers. His previous workshops include Microbial Materiality (natural and microbial dyes for bacterial cellulose), Knitting with Nature (marine biopolymer and bacterial cellulose yarn making and weaving), Cultivating Cyanobacteria, Circular Biomaterials (oyster shell–based composites using 3D-printed moulds), and Mycelium Biofabrication (mycelium composite fabrication with digital moulding techniques). He has also taught Managing Sustainability at Bath Spa University, London, supporting students in embedding circular thinking into their creative practice.

Akir’s work has been featured by Tocco Earth, Dulcie Journal, The Kindcraft, Hive Curates, and the Climate Emergency Network, and exhibited internationally at Dutch Design Week, Bioart Laboratories, Lethaby Gallery, Broadworks by Hive and Botanical Bodies. Through podcasting, he spotlights biodesigners and shares their stories, helping to make biodesign more accessible and support a shift toward a more regenerative material culture.

@akirhall

akirhall.com

Lotte Plumb

Lotte is a fashion-focused biodesigner whose practice sits at the intersection of material innovation and systems thinking. Drawing on traditional craft techniques and emerging biofabrication methods, she investigated new approaches to addressing the environmental and social impacts of the textile industry.

Throughout her research, Lotte has explored biofabrication, bacterial pigments, bacterial cellulose, novel textiles, natural dyeing, weaving, zero-waste pattern cutting, and bioremediation strategies. Her MA Biodesign graduate project ‘Lab to Loom’ showcased the potential of a 100% bacterial based denim and has been exhibited in London at The Future Fabrics Expo, Biofabricate, The Lethaby Gallery, and Botanical Bodies, and internationally at the Functional Fabrics Fair and Performance Days.

Lotte now works with a London-based label in fabrics and sustainability, where she has developed a strong understanding of material impact, fabric development, and sustainability legislation. Outside of this role, she continues her own practice, guided by the belief that future fashion must be holistic, collaborative, and deeply rooted in ecological awareness.

@from_lotte

Extra Info

Accessibility Statement:

Lifefabs Institute is committed to ensuring that our events and workshops are as accessible as possible and meet the ever-changing needs of our community. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of our workshops, we are constantly learning and adjusting our workflows to prioritise accessibility.

We’d love to hear any feedback our community might have.

Please contact us at events@lifefabs.bio if you have any specific accessibility requirements or questions.

Seating:

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@lifefabs.bio and we'd be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@lifefabs.bio

Support to Attend Our Events & Workshops

Lifefabs Institute may be able to offer financial assistance to enable adults or children to participate in our events and activities if this would otherwise be financially difficult.

Please contact our team: events@lifefabs.bio and we will aim to agree a reduction or bursary or wavier your fee free of charge.