11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric¶

Research & Ideation¶

For this project, I explored the integration of open-source hardware with fabric-specific machines, focusing on the weaving, plotting, and dyeing processes.

I then realised that I'm no engineer

Here are the key insights from my research:

Weaving Machines¶

I started by understanding weaving technologies, which form the foundation of fabric construction. Among the machines explored were:

Air Jet Looms: These innovative machines use air to propel the weft, allowing rapid production of lightweight fabrics.

Rapier Looms: With their versatile mechanism, they inspired thoughts on creating fabric structures with flexibility in design and application.

Shuttle Looms: Though traditional, these machines reminded me of the timeless beauty of durable, tightly woven materials like denim.

This exploration gave me a deeper appreciation for the mechanisms of shedding, picking, and beating, which are vital for weaving precision and inspired thoughts on replicating intricate patterns in smaller, controlled setups.

Plotting Technology¶

The idea of incorporating a plotter stemmed from the need to automate and digitize fabric design processes. Plotters enable precision pattern-making and direct-to-fabric printing. My research into plotters revealed their versatility in handling materials and their compatibility with custom designs, which aligns well with my desire for experimentation in fabric surface manipulation.

Dyeing Machines¶

The exploration of dyeing machines inspired considerations for future expansions of this project. Machines like the Jet Dyeing Machine and Continuous Dyeing Machine demonstrated how technology could achieve uniformity and eco-friendliness in fabric coloring. The concept of integrating a dyeing mechanism into the plotter sparked ideas for combining processes seamlessly to produce unique textile art pieces.

get inspired!

Check out and research alumni pages to betetr understand how to document and get inspired

OS Loom - Kae Nagano - Fab Lab Kamakura
The pattern machine - Marion Guillaud - LeTextileLab Lyon
Shopbot Hack - Painting machine Asli Aksan - Textile Lab Amsterdam
Prusa - Pegboard - Viviane Labelle - EchoFab
Final project - Pauline Gamore

References & Inspiration¶

The fabric pen plotter is my way of merging precision and creativity, helping me bring artistic visions to life on fabric. It’s like having a digital brush that collaborates with my ideas—speeding up prototyping while still feeling personal. For me, this project isn’t just about building a machine; it’s about pushing boundaries and rethinking how we design textiles.

Creative Possibilities¶

1.Handwritten Notes and Calligraphy¶

I’ve always loved the idea of personal touches on garments—like a handwritten poem or a meaningful quote. This machine can replicate my handwriting directly on fabric, turning it into a unique feature. Imagine a dress with subtle calligraphy or a scarf with someone's favorite lyric—it feels so personal and special.

2.Geometric Patterns Made Easy¶

Drawing intricate, layered geometric patterns by hand is tedious, but the plotter makes it seamless. I can experiment with bold, symmetrical shapes or soft, organic ones, letting the machine bring them to life. Perfect for modern, edgy designs or even minimalist styles.

3.Nature-Inspired Designs¶

I’m really inspired by organic motifs like leaves, waves, or even abstract botanical patterns. With the plotter, I can scale and repeat these patterns across fabric, creating something that feels natural yet polished. It’s like turning nature into wearable art.

4.Turning Art into Fabric¶

I think it’s so exciting that I can sketch something on paper, scan it, and have the plotter replicate it on fabric. It feels like taking my art to another medium—imagine a garment covered in strokes that started as a drawing in my notebook!

5.Upcycling with Style¶

Sustainability is always on my mind. This machine can help breathe new life into old or leftover fabrics by adding bold patterns or intricate drawings. It’s a way to give discarded pieces a fresh, exciting purpose.

6.Storytelling Through Textiles¶

Every design tells a story, and with the plotter, I can map out symbols, quotes, or illustrations that connect to a theme or personal narrative. It’s a beautiful way to make textiles more meaningful.

Tools¶

BoM example¶

Materials¶

Qty	Description	Price	Link	Notes
1	Material one	22.00 $	http://amazon.com/test	order now
1	Material two	22.00 $	http://amazon.com/test	find alternative
1	Material three	22.00 $	http://amazon.com/test

Process¶

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."

My sketches are ...

This model ¹ was obtained by..

The design ² was created using..

footnote fabrication files

Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.

Code Example¶

Use the three backticks to separate code.

// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
}