Design and Development of Bags from Woven Fabrics for Muang Chaem Group, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Muang Chaem Group, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province is a youth group with elderly people who specialize in Jok woven textiles, which has a unique and distinctive pattern from the pillow and indigo fabrics. Currently, the pillow products in this pattern failed to attract the attention of today’s consumers. This research aims to design and develop community products using cultural capital and to create added value through a mechanism of networking among partners and other stakeholders in the area to enhance competitiveness. The process is as follows: 1) Potential analysis and target group determination; 2) Conceptualization in product design and development; 3) Design and development of bags from local woven fabrics; 4) Production of product prototypes; 5) Promotion of product processing skills, and 6) Product-market testing and distribution channels. By collaborating with networked partners, the Muang Chaem group has successfully formulated the design concept, developed prototypes, enhanced sewing skills, and organize color tones in the product. As a result, there are 6 types of bags for ladies and 2 styles of tumbler bags that attract target customers. While adding value to community products, the bag products can be sold at a 100 - 150 percent higher price. Finally, the production of bags from the woven fabric of the Muang Chaem group also supports cultural tourism, creates employment, generates income in the community, and establishes local interdependent networks.