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From local silk to contemporary interiors, Nam explores new possibilities for Thai textiles while keeping the craftsmanship and knowledge behind them alive.
In a world where designers are constantly searching for new materials, some of the most interesting possibilities may already exist close to home. Thai silk, long associated with traditional dress and craftsmanship, has entered conversations about contemporary fashion, interiors and design. Its place in modern creative practice is expanding, with designers finding new ways to work with the material and bring it to different audiences.
Pichatorn “Nam” Nualdaisri is part of this shift. With a background in textile design and doctoral research into creative textiles made from local Thai silk, she explores how traditional techniques and materials can take on new forms. Through The Yarn Story, she is bringing Thai textiles into contemporary design and creating new ways for traditional craftsmanship to be valued and experienced.
Discovering the World of Textiles
Nam’s interest in design began with her love of arranging spaces and interior design. She studied Textile and Fashion Design at Thammasat University, where she discovered how textiles could extend beyond clothing into interiors and everyday objects.
Towards the end of her degree, she entered a textile design competition organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP). Winning a place among the top three gave her the opportunity to visit Maison&Objet in Paris. There, she saw the many ways textiles could be used in furniture, interiors and other creative fields and began to see a career for herself in the industry.
She went on to earn a master’s degree in Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London, before completing a PhD in Arts and Design at Silpakorn University in 2021. Her research focused on developing creative textiles from local Thai silk.
The Making of The Yarn Story
Nam first worked with a textile brand, where she organised weekend weaving workshops at a department store. She also took on freelance design commissions for a high-end fabric company. Eventually, she established her own studio, The Yarn Story.
One question has continued to shape her work: how can handmade textiles receive the recognition and value their craftsmanship deserves?
“Handmade textiles require a lot of time, skill and traditional knowledge, but it can be difficult to communicate their true value and connect them with the right market.”
Nam identifies this as one of her main challenges. She approaches this problem through design and storytelling.
“Instead of seeing the textile only as a product, I try to highlight the craftsmanship, the story behind it and the people and traditions involved in making it”
The Yarn Story works with local materials and weaving communities across Thailand. Its practice combines traditional techniques with new fibres, yarns and design methods. The studio also experiments with recycled materials, including yarn made from plastic waste.
“This experience has taught me to be patient, creative and open to learning. It has also strengthened my belief that handmade textiles can create both economic and cultural value when we find the right way to connect tradition with modern needs.”
Bringing Craft into New Possibilities
The studio offers design consultancy, handwoven production and prototype production for entrepreneurs, designers and small businesses.
“In my work, especially when creating or selling artwork and textiles, I have learned that understanding the client’s needs, ideas and expectations is just as important as the creative process itself. By listening carefully, I can create work that feels more meaningful and relevant to the person receiving it.”
Earlier this year, The Yarn Story held its first solo exhibition, Off the Loom, at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok. Inspired by desert landscapes, the collection explored the textures and forms of nature through textile techniques. Nam experimented with copper wire weaving and tufting to create works that brought out the rugged surfaces of weathered sandstone cliffs and the shapes of resilient desert trees. The exhibition also reflected her interest in material exploration, where traditional textile skills meet unexpected materials and new forms of expression.
Education is another part of the studio’s work. It offers hands-on workshops at universities, international schools and private events. Participants can explore textile craft through practical experience.
“I hope my work creates opportunities by helping textile artisans see the value of their skills and giving their craftsmanship a wider audience. I want them to feel proud of what they create and, most importantly, to be able to earn a fair and sustainable income from their knowledge and hard work.”
