Description
For my project, I intend to explore computational design in machine knitting. I plan to design punch cards to create a pattern via a knitting machine, laser cut the punch cards, and use them to machine knit some fabric. If time permits, I’d like to use the fabric to create an object or garment.
Milestones
Nov 4-10: Set up knitting machine. Familiarize myself with both the machine and the punchcards by knitting some swatches using preexisting punchcards.
Nov 11-17: Learn how to use a laser cutter; begin design of punchcards.
Nov 18-27: Laser cut initial punch cards; iterate design based on knitted swatches and laser cut again as needed.
Dec 2-6: Knit final design(s); Time permitting, create object from fabric.
Related Work
- A Parametric 3D Knitting Workflow for Punchcard Knitting Machines – https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3544549.3585721
This work-in-progress describes a technique for knitting 3D features into fabric using punchcard knitting machines. The final work will, I believe, present a tool for easily designing these 3D features. - KnitScape: Computational Design and Yarn-Level Simulation of Slip and Tuck Colorwork Knitting Patterns – https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3613904.3642799
This paper presents a tool for designing knits with slip and tuck stitches. It also describes the stitches themselves and how they affect the fabric. The image below shows the operational instructions and simulation in KnitScape (left) and the final knitted product (right). The lower right corner shows well-integrated stitches on the back of the fabric.
- Computational Illusion Knitting – https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3658231
This paper presents a method for computational illusion knitting, both for single-view and multi-view illusions. Illusion knitting was pioneered by artists and relies on stitch-level microgeometry to produce an image which is only visible when the fabric is viewed from an angle. In the paper, they formalize the microgeometry as constraints, allowing machine knitting of single-view illusions. The authors also design a new method of illusion knitting which allows different illusions to be seen when viewed from different angles. The image below shows a multi-view illusion, where when viewed at different angles the Stanford bunny and Utah teapot are visible.
Hi Liz,
Im really excited to see your final project. Do you think you’ll be able to do multi color with the yarn you use? Or do you think you’ll need some interaction to cut yarn and tie them? Awsome idea and approach to it.
Hi Alan,
Thanks! I’m hoping to do multicolor. The knitting machine I’m borrowing from Leah can use 2 different yarns at once to knit a design. I’m not sure what you mean about cutting and tying the yarn; if you’re talking about changing colors, I’ll need to learn more about the working of the machine, but I imagine there’s a way to change out the yarn being used.
Hi Liz, really cool project idea! What drew you to this form of fabrication? I think the intersection of computational design and textile work is fascinating, and the illusion knitting is particularly cool. I’m eager to see what you learn about the process.
Hi Sachi,
Thanks! I wanted to do something with textiles, and this seemed like an accessible way to explore a new skill. I’ve never knitted before by hand or machine, so there’s definitely a lot to learn.
Hi Liz,
I was very surprised by your project! I just read a paper about knitted 3D printing this afternoon, the paper is “Printing Teddy Bears: A Technique for 3D Printing of Soft Interactive Objects”, if you are interested, you can also refer to it, but I feel that the machine you use should not be of the same type. I have communicated with a visiting scholar who does fabrication and weaving before, and her work impressed me deeply. It is probably that she used different colors of cord materials to weave a single-shoulder book bag that we can wear, as well as clothes, etc. I am very much looking forward to seeing your final work!
Hi Qinghong,
Thanks for the reference! I’ll definitely read over that paper. That’s really cool how the scholar made a bag and clothes. Thanks!
Hey Liz,
I’m loving seeing all the textile proposals! Do you knit regularly, or is this your first time with the medium? It would be cool to have a pattern or design as a panel on a sweater, bag, scarf etc, so I hope you have the time to make something!
Hi Astrid,
Thanks for your comment! This is my first time knitting, whether by hand or machine. I’m excited to learn about this medium. While I’ve never knitted I do know how to sew so I’d really like to be able to make an object or garment. I hope I have enough time as well!
Hey Liz,
One of the things I’ve loved about this class is getting to create things that have real, tangible value. Your project sounds perfect for that! I think it’s an amazing idea, especially since you might be able to use the fabric for an object or garment—it would be so cool to see that come together!
Good luck with everything, and I’m really excited to see your final project!
Hi Andrei,
Thanks! Yeah, I really hope I can create an object/garment.