Precision control of tensile properties in fabric for computational fabrication

Abstract

This paper presents an exploration of computer-controlled embroidery design and stitching with the goal of making purposeful, precision changes to material properties of a base elastic textile. Two techniques are proposed for adding stitches through designed microstructural cells and stitch-level planning. For the latter, a novel path planning algorithm is proposed to serialize stitches that is similar to a greedy solution for the travelling salesman problem with a set of domain-specific constraints that dictate edge cost. We show the efficacy of the concept through a set of simple design examples that undergo mechanical load testing and discuss the value of the technique in future applications using computational design.