KANNUR: The Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT), Thottada, has developed a handloom with innovative design that is expected to make the sector more desirable. Called ‘Loom Cot’ or ‘Handloom Cot,’ the new devise can serve the purpose of a loom and a cot and can fit into a normal bedroom without consuming additional space. Introducing the Loom Cot, Abdul Kareem Cheleri, the executive director of IIHT, a state government institution, said that the multi-functional device would be attractive for small families with limited space and for the middle class people who look for a stylish design. “The new design is very compact and it can be easily folded into a cot once the day’s work is over,” he said. “Developed by the IIHT after a research of one-and-a-half years, the Loom Cot is ready for commercial production. Officially launched at a function the other day in Kochi, the institute has also started efforts to secure a patent for the innovative design,” Abdul Kareem Cheleri said. “The young generation is not coming forward to take up hand weaving and even the traditional weavers are quitting due to various reasons. Nevertheless, many women are still interested in handloom, but scarcity of space to install handloom deters them. Finding additional space for handloom comes in the way,’’ Abdul Kareem said. Designed as a box, the Loom Cot can comfortably sit in an average room without consuming extra space and even the middle class people would find it attractive. Moreover, the cost of setting up a traditional loom and a Loom Cot would be more or less the same, the IIHT executive director explained. “As per the initial estimation, a Loom Cot will cost around `1 lakh, almost similar to the cost of installing a traditional handloom. But if we go for commercial production, the price will come down,” he added.
“The development of Loom Cot was one of the three projects initiated by the IIHT with the aid of the state government. The research to develop a nano handloom machine and the development of software-based textile design studio are progressing. We hope to launch both of them within a year,” Abdul Kareem Cheleri said.
An exhibition of Loom Cot will be held at the IIHT, Thottada, here from September 1 to 5. The institute would provide training for people interested in the Loom Cot, the official said.