The Design and Development of Dabujiang Patchwork Embroidery for Modern Bags
Authors: Wang Siyi , Phanthabutr Saowaluck 
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: Dabujiang patchwork embroidery, an intangible cultural handicraft with the longest heritage in southern Hunan, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its unique characteristics. However, these products are facing a situation of decline because they cannot meet the needs of modern people. The objective of this research article is to design and develop modern bags featuring Dabujiang patchwork embroidery patterns for women in contemporary society.
Materials and Methods: This research is a combination of qualitative research and quantitative research. The qualitative research method was used to study the color, pattern, and meaning of characteristics from 54 pieces of 6 theme categories of Dabujiang product pictures. Interview intangible cultural inheritors, designers, bag shop owners, and women consumers to understand modern women's design needs for women's bags. Combining the characteristics of the Dabujiang pattern characteristics with the needs of modern women, the design and development of six new Dabujiang women's bags based on 6 theme categories. Through 424 questionnaires for women to assess the women's favorite new bags and analyze the reasons women like and find out the future trend of women's bag development.
Results: The results of the research revealed: 1) The patterns based on the six categories have different symbolic meanings respectively and they are mainly bionic and geometric patterns. The lines are curves, and the layout is generally symmetrical and balanced. 2) There are 11 kinds of common colors and mainly based on the five orthodox colors of Chinese tradition. The main colors are red, blue, yellow, black, and white, representing the five traditional Chinese elements, which extend different meanings. 3) Through interviews find out young women prefer large bags of bag 1 style, the Morandi color scheme, and meanings of happiness, love, career success, luck, wealth, and beauty. Consequently, the researcher designed six bag styles based on bag 1 style and six theme categories to meet the needs of modern women associated with these six meanings. Questionnaire responses from 424 young women showed that 23.58% favored the Phoenix pattern bag style, making it the most preferred among the six new bag designs. This style showcases a phoenix motif in blue, white, and black colors, symbolizing career success.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that modern women highly value career success and self-worth, prioritizing independence over traditional roles. This conclusion mainly stems from the transformation of modern women's roles and the awakening of self-awareness. In addition to assuming the role of mother in the family, modern women also play the role of professional women in society, and more and more women regard career success as their pursuit goal. In the context of the changing identity and goals of modern women, the products should be designed that meet the needs of modern women based on their needs, combined with the symbolic meaning of cultural patterns. For future product development, incorporating symbolic patterns that align with the career aspirations of modern young women is recommended.