Transforming Textiles

Augmentation using interactive locking loops

2022

Using both physical 3D printing and digital simulations, this project investigates the potential for 3D printed warp knit rows to be modified for joining textiles and embellishment.

Previous work exploring 3D printed knit has established that rows of PLA loops can be fitted together to form a textile. PLA provides the flexibility required to snap one loop into another while also being firm enough to stay in place. The modifications of longer, curved loops allows for solid objects to be joined together with a double sided connector row. Unlike pre-existing printed textiles, this modular version does not require complete disassembly to remove one section. The tiles can be arranged in customised configurations and worn as embellishment or hung on a wall.

Additionally, the connectors can be incorporated into traditional textiles to act as a closure or to attach embellishment. With woven they can be stitched into place, for knitwear they can either be pushed through the stitches or incorporated into the construction of the textile itself as the loop can be knit into.

Digital Studio

Working in a digital space enables trials and adjustments of the tiles and connectors without the wait time of 3D printing. Blender has been used to build the embellishment and Polycam to scan the sweater vest.

I found having an accurate textile base extremly helpful. While contemplating how the tiles would stay in place, I was able to work off the visual and texture references point of the real object. Which lead to the realisation that the loops can be pushed between the stitches of larger knits.

AR demonstration of the virtual studio space I have been working within and visualistion of concept.

AR wall tile demonstrates the function of the modular pieces as well as previews potential placement. Viewers can move around the virtual object to examine the tiles and linking components.

Process

Experimentation in my virtual studio required a digital textile surface to work with. To produce this half a sweater hung from dowel and a completed sweater on a mannequin were scanned with Polycam.

The full sweater was imported into Blender to be cleaned up and remove the mannequin. Resulting in an isolated 3D sweater.

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Initial loop and connector rows were modeled on Rhino 7 as this program offers very precise building capabilities. The physical PLA printed tile and loop allowed me to see the need for modifications in their designs. More space and curves were needed for the connecting loops to lie flat.

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Textures were added to the base and connector loops using texture nodes and images as this is more compatible with AR.