An algorithm that converts 3D meshes into machine knit patterns

A group of CMU researchers has created a generalizable approach to converting pattern files generated by 3D design packages into knitting patterns that can be fed into a variety of computerized knitting machines, which then “print” the solid into knitting it.

Textile artists have long emphasized that knitting and other fiber arts are a form of 3D printing, and there has always been a healthy crossover between 3D printers and knitters.

In general, although we believe that the outputs of the current system are
remarkably good, we suspect that future work using a closed loop

design procedure is likely to produce more faithful results. Such a procedure may include optimizing the input mesh for

better match the desired output shape taking into account deformations, as suggested for bubble modeling [Skouras et al. 2012] Where

integrating knitting simulation tools at yarn and stitch level with our

system [Cirio et al. 2015; Kaldor et al. 2008, 2010; Meißner and Eberhardt 1998]. We also see an opportunity to use point-level editing

tools, such as those developed by Yuksel et al. [2012], as a means of
allow advanced users to perform detailed editing of our algorithms
to go out.

The geometric precision of our results is limited by the size of the
stitches used to knit them. This size, in turn, depends on the gauge
of the machine and is generally of the order of a millimeter. Characteristics
smaller than the point size cannot be represented.

Automatic knitting 3D mesh machine [Vidya Narayanan, Lea Albaugh, Jessica Hodgins, Stelian Coros and Jim McCann/CMU Textiles Lab]

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