Reviving Tradition: Exploring the Craft of “Chindi Dari” of Uttarakhand for Sustainable Textile Upcycling and Wearable Innovations

Textile crafts, such as quilting, patchwork, and kantha, play a crucial role in repurposing textile waste. These techniques actively prevent the disposal of fabrics, garments, and other textile waste into landfills, contributing to the creation of new products and significantly extending the lifespan of garments. In the village of “Timli” in Uttarakhand, the artistry of crafting “Chindi Dari,” or recycled fabric rugs, is practiced, deeply rooted in the native language. Discarded materials like old t-shirts, denim, saris, bedsheets, and fabric undergo meticulous cutting into 1.5-inch strips. These strips are expertly interwoven to create eco-friendly and resilient rugs. This study delves into the production of fabric using the process of “Chindi Dari” weaving, and access its wearability and broader implications. Secondary data was gathered using keywords recycled rugs, fabric rugs, circular fashion, textile recycling, and upcycling textiles. A prototype textile was meticulously crafted on a loom, and garments were constructed for trial purposes. The user experience was further scrutinized, providing valuable insights into the wearability and aesthetic appeal of the recycled fabric. The Friedman’s two-way ANOVA was applied followed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and a Bonferroni adjusted α of 0.017 indicated that comfort (Mean Rank = 1.77) was perceived as significantly more than durability (Mean Rank = 2.31), T = 27, z = − 2.995 (corrected for ties), N-Ties = 32, p = 0.003. (r (30) = 0.79, p < 0.001) between these two factors (comfort and durability) was positive and high. Comfort is the prime factor that effects the wearability of this material produced. The study found that “Chindi Dari” is well-liked in the area and can aid in the locals’ ability to increase their source of income. It is possible to make loose-fitting clothing out of the sample material. According to the study, repurposed rug materials are creative, long-lasting, and environmentally beneficial. There are new opportunities when clothing waste is repurposed to generate fabric.