Winner: Homeware design of the year 2019. Backstitch is a collection of three rugs by Raw Edges for GAN that gives prominence to the reverse of traditional embroidery work.

The wool rugs are made by hand by GAN's Women’s Unit using an embroidery technique called kilim. The Backstitch collection turns traditional embroidery upside-down and attempts to show, in a delicate and elegant way, what is often hidden. The three consecutive designs show a conceptual progression throughout the collection, with stitching and complexity added to each rug along the way.

Judges comments: "This is an outstanding design project that highlights traditional craft techniques and processes through hand embroidery. Backstitch has a powerful narrative as well as being a beautiful product. You can see every stitch, which highlights the design process. By emphasising the collaboration with the women that made the rugs, the project also becomes beneficial and authentic."

Designer: Raw Edges for GAN
Product: Backstitch
Winner of: Homeware design
Read more: Raw Edges for GAN