Philadelphia design firm uses Tyvek to create decorative textiles

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Tyvek is not a common fabric. In fact, its most commun usage is as the base material for shipping envelopes and hazmat suits.

However, according to a recent New York Times article, Mio - a Philadelphia design firm - has turned this previously industrial material into decorative textiles.

According to the article, Loop, the company's first Tyvek fabric design, is printed with a solid color on one side and a pattern by Sharon Nao, a graphic designer, on the other.

"Tyvek doesn't tear, doesn't wrinkle, can be stitched and can be put in the washing machine," said Jaime Salm, one of Mio's owners, who thinks that Loop will be used to make items as varied as draperies and clothing.