Project ‘Hydrophobic Pattern’ is an ongoing series of pattern-making through the use of water-repellent coatings for textiles. It explores the fascinating effect of hydrophobic material by redefining a common technology.

Hydrophobic coatings are primarily intended for highly water resistant outdoor textiles and garments. In this case they’re partially applied to achieve a water-repellent and a water-absorbent part. As these substances are not meant to be influencing color and texture of a fabric the coated parts remain invisible in dry state and appear only in contact with liquids. The non-treated parts of the textile get wet and a pattern suddenly becomes visible. As soon as the fabric dries off it will again disappear. The coating can easily be applied through basic textile printing techniques such as silkscreen printing.