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11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric

Research & Ideation

For this project, we 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

The concept of this machine, a fabric pen plotter, was born from my personal interest in bridging the gap between technology and creative textile design. The idea was to create an accessible and open-source tool for marking intricate patterns and designs directly onto fabric. However, the process of building this machine was very much a team effort, with everyone in the group contributing to its success.

Our initial research began with exploring textile machinery and how they transform materials. We examined weaving mechanisms from looms to understand how automated tools can manipulate fibers, referencing detailed guides such as WeaveTech's textile machinery overview and Textile Learner’s weaving mechanisms. These resources provided valuable insights into the mechanical workings of looms and inspired aspects of our plotter's movement design.

Additionally, we looked into the working principles of plotter machines and dyeing machines to understand their functional components and potential for adaptation in fabric processing. Research on plotters highlighted the use of precise X-Y axis movements for marking or cutting, while dyeing machines inspired the possibility of incorporating color application as an additional feature for future iterations.

This phase of ideation also involved several brainstorming sessions as a group, where we refined the concept, identified essential features, and planned the framework of our machine. Ultimately, we agreed to focus on building the fabric pen plotter first, leaving room to integrate dyeing functionalities later.

get inspired!

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

Hacking the Ender 3 Neo into a Plotter (Process & workflow)

Instead of building a whole machine from scratch, we decided to hack one of the lab’s 3D printers — the CREALITY ENDER 3 NEO — into a plotter!
We found some helpful resources like this tutorial and this video that explained how to do it easily.

What We Did

  • Adapter:
    We found a plotter adaptor design Here but instead of using it directly, we redesigned it ourselves in SolidWorks. Joselyne started the initial 3D model, and I completed the design. Then I 3D-printed the adaptor. (The printer is still fully functional as a 3D printer!)

  • Prep:
    We removed the filament and got ready to plot with pens.

  • Files & Settings:
    We used some .stl files I had already made, opened them in Ultimaker Cura, and tweaked the slicing settings to turn the 3D files into simple 2D plots.

Setting Value
Layer Height 0.2 mm
Wall Thickness 0.2 mm
Wall Line Count 0
Infill Density 100%
Printing Temperature 0°C
Build Plate Temperature 0°C
Retraction Enabled
Z-Hop When Retracted Enabled
Z-Hop Height 0.4 mm
Supports None
Build Plate Adhesion None
Z-axis Scale 0.2 mm

We then sliced the file like a regular 3D print.

  • First Tests:
    Our first test was on paper, but the nozzle was too close, causing the extruder to tear the paper.
    We fixed this by manually adjusting the nozzle height right at the start of the print.

  • Plotter Offset:
    Because the pen adapter is mounted slightly off-center, we realized that we needed to position our designs slightly off-center in the slicing software too.
  • More Tests:
    After making the adjustments, we got better results, although we still broke one pen during testing!
    Then we moved on to plotting on fabric (using normal liner pens because we didn’t have fabric markers).
    It worked, and now we plan to experiment with more designs soon!

Work ditribution

Task Person(s) Responsible Notes
Research on hacking method Both (Joselyne & Magali) Used blog and YouTube resources to understand the process
Adapter design (initial) Joselyne Started designing the adapter in SolidWorks
Adapter design (finalizing) Magali Completed the SolidWorks design
3D printing the adapter Magali Printed the final adapter for the plotter
Slicing test files Magali Used Ultimaker Cura with custom settings
Printer setup Both Removed filament, mounted pen, adjusted Z-axis, tested positioning
Test plotting (paper/fabric) Both Conducted tests on paper and fabric

Hacking Workflow

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A((Research ideas)) --> B{{Found hacks online!}}
    B --> C([Print funky plotter adapter])
    C --> D((Mounted it on Ender 3 Neo))
    D --> E([Removed filament (goodbye!)])
    E --> F([Opened old STL files])
    F --> G((Cura time! Slice slice slice))
    G --> H{Set everything super flat}
    H --> I([First try: paper R.I.P. 💀])
    I --> J((Tweaked nozzle manually))
    J --> K([Second try: better but pen broke 😭])
    K --> L((Finally drew on fabric 🎉))
Task Person(s) Responsible Notes
Research on hacking method Both (Joselyne & Magali) Used blog and YouTube resources to understand the process
Adapter design (initial) Joselyne Started designing the adapter in SolidWorks
Adapter design (finalizing) Magali Completed the SolidWorks design
3D printing the adapter Magali Printed the final adapter for the plotter
Slicing test files Magali Used Ultimaker Cura with custom settings
Printer setup Both Removed filament, mounted pen, adjusted Z-axis, tested positioning
Test plotting (paper/fabric) Both Conducted tests on paper and fabric

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.

Fabrication files