Computational Couture 👑✨

Session Nutshell 🌰✨

After a whirlwind week of E-textiles, where everything was brand-new knowledge (hello, steep learning curve! 📈😅), I was buzzing with excitement for Computational Couture Week! 🧵💻✨

I may or may not have done some sneak peek research before the session (oops 🤓🔍), and let’s just say I was ready to soak in all the info like a sponge in a design lab. 🧽🎨 The hype was real, and my excitement was practically uncontainable! 🕺⚡

Fast forward to the session, and WOW—my jaw hit the floor. 😮 Projects like the 3D-printed bag? Mind-blowing! 👜✨ And then there were the Marvel movie accessories—the kind of designs that make you go, “Wait, what?! These were in the movies I’ve watched a million times?!” 🎬🤯

Now I know: the next time I’m bingeing superhero movies, I’ll be the one nerding out over the accessories instead of the action scenes. 🦸‍♀️💥👓 Who knew I’d never look at costume design the same way again?!

Here’s a snippet of what stood out to me—and spoiler alert: it’s as amazing as it sounds. 🛠️✨👇

Im in love with everything Julia Koerner does

Assignment Deep Dive 📝

This week at Fabri Academy, we plunged into the futuristic world of Computational Couture—a dazzling blend of tech, fashion, and creativity that pushed our design skills into overdrive! 🧵💻✨ It was hands-on, mind-expanding, and full of boundary-breaking ideas. 🚀💡 Here’s what we set out to achieve:

Learning Outcomes

Research skills: the participant has acquired knowledge through references and Concept development

Design skills: the participant has acquired 3D modeling skills and explored parametric skills

Fabrication skills: the participant is capable of executing from file to production workflow, from 3D modelling to 3D printing

Process skills: Anyone can go through the process, understand it and reproduce it

Final outcome: Create samples/swatches of 3D printing as fabric or on fabrics and a 3D/parametric model

Originality: Has the design been thought through and elaborated?

Students Checklist ✅

• Document the concept, sketches, references also to artistic or scientific articles on 3D printing and parametric modeling

Design a parametric model using Grasshopper3D (or alternative parametric software) and upload the 3Ddesign file + required parametric files

Learn how to use a 3D printer and document the step-by-step process and settings

Document the workflow for exporting your file and preparing the machine, Gcode and settings to be 3D printed

Print your file and document the outcomes

Upload your stl file

Submit some of your swatches to the analog material library of your lab. Size 20cm x 20cm approx (extra credit)

FAQ

Is it mandatory to use Grasshopper3D?

As this is one of the standard tools, that have created a large community of users and libraries around it, it is strongly recommended to try this software. But other parametric packages such as Solidworks, Blender, Autodesk Dynamo / Revit are acceptable.

Can I use a different software? how will it be evaluated?

Yes you can decide to use a different parametric software, please explain why and make sure to record your screen while experimenting with the parametric file if it’s not Grasshopper / Rhino. The video can be uploaded to youtube / vimeo etc and embedded in your site

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Project Inspiration 💡

I went down a glorious rabbit hole of 3D works under the umbrella of Computational Couture, and let me tell you—I was WOW’ed by every. single. one. 🤩👏 It was like a parade of jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, how-is-this-even-possible creations. 😮💡

Everything I saw was so aspirational that I couldn’t help but think, “I have to learn how to make magic like this!” 🎨⚡ Thankfully, this week gave me the perfect head start to dive into this world of futuristic fashion wizardry. 🧵💻✨

Here’s a sneak peek at a few snippets that totally stole my heart (and maybe a piece of my brain because wow, the tech behind these!)

Process Understanding 🧠

Since this was my first time approaching 3D in this way, I was a rollercoaster of emotions—excited, nervous, and just a little overwhelmed. 🎢😅 I mean, I dabbled with Blender back in Week Two, but let’s be real…that interface is A LOT. 🌀💻 (Shoutout to all the Blender pros out there—you deserve a standing ovation 👏✨).

As for Grasshopper, I’d love to dive into its possibilities someday, but let’s just say the license price had me whispering, “Maybe later.” 🫣💸 So, for now, I’m putting all my energy into Blender for this assignment.

Like every project, my goal is to really understand the process and set myself up for success (and minimal meltdowns). 💡🔧 This week, I dove headfirst into Blender tutorials and explored the magic of parametric design. And let me tell you—it’s amazing what you can do when you start connecting the dots! 🤓✨

🛠️ Here’s What I Planned to Do:

1. Create a Parametric Design in Blender 🎛️✨

2. Design some Numeric-Based Patterns in Illustrator ✏️🔢

3. 3D Print a Solid Parametric Design 🖨️⚙️

4. 3D Print Numeric Patterns on Fabric for some extra flair 🧵💡

This week was all about learning, experimenting, and pushing my creative boundaries. 💃✨ Here’s a peek at some of the tutorials that helped me along the way: 👇🎥✨

Intro To Blender

Parametric Form Vase

Parametric Design Blender

Parametric Voronoi Sphere

The Process 🎨✨

After diving into the 3D tutorials, I realized something surprising—the process was actually pretty simple once I got the hang of it! 🙌💡 Armed with my newfound knowledge (and a lot of enthusiasm), I rolled up my sleeves and got to work on Blender.

1️⃣ Diamond Chain Design 💎✨ I started small by playing with a simple diamond shape and experimenting until I created a chain-like design. It was oddly satisfying to see it come together link by link. 🧩🎉

2️⃣ Parametric Vase 🏺⚡ Following one of the tutorials, I crafted a parametric vase—and let me just say, I was absolutely in love with how it turned out. 😍 A little symmetry, a little flair, and BAM—art in motion. 🎨✨

Following the tutorial I made a basic vase shape

With the parameter features in blender as per the tutorial I tweaked around with the numbers to see some very interesting variations

3️⃣ Freestyle Shapes & Designs 🎛️💡 Inspired by the vase tutorial, I decided to freestyle and try something totally my own. Using the same process, I created a bunch of unique shapes and designs that felt personal and experimental. (Pro tip: trial and error is your best friend here. 😉)

4️⃣ Illustrator Meets Numbers ✏️🔢 Of course, I couldn’t ignore my trusty Illustrator! I whipped up a numeric-based design, just to keep things versatile and bring some 2D flair to my 3D explorations.

I first created a pattern design on illustrator

Then selecting this pattern I went to windows and selected pattern options & converted my design to a proper pattern on illustrator

As you you can see now in the video below this pattern can extend to an infinite size, & shape. I know this is not truly parametric, but it was fun creating this and I feel this would look beautiful as a 3D print on fabric

Speaking of 3D printing, with so much experimentation under my belt, it’s time to move on to the production phase. 🛠️✨ Let’s make these designs come to life! 🚀💎

Project Assembly 🛠️

I was very excited to bring my 3d designs to life, since I swapped my design desk for a suitcase because I was off traveling to Norway! 🇳🇴✨ I had a lot of time to do more once I was back !!

Taking the Sphere tutorial forward as mentioned above, I created this design

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Step 1: Setting Up the Stage 🎭

With my design ready in .STL format, it was time to bring it into Creality’s software. The printer of choice? The mighty Ender 3-V3-KE. Cue the excitement as the virtual printer plate popped up, ready to host my masterpiece!

Step 2: Importing the Sphere 🌐

The next step was dropping my 3D sphere design onto the virtual plate. Watching it sit there felt like placing a puzzle piece into its spot. Perfect fit!

Step 3: Splitting for Success ✂️

With some sage advice from the lab instructor (thank you, 3D printing guru! 🙌), we decided to split the sphere into two halves. Why? Easier printing, better stability, and fewer printing hiccups. Who knew slicing a sphere in half could feel so strategic?

Step 4: Tweaking the Infill 🛠️

Once the half-spheres were placed just right on the plate, it was time to play with settings!

Infill Density: Dialed it to 30%.

Pattern: Set to grid.

This ensured the final print would be sturdy yet efficient, saving material without compromising strength. Win-win! 💡

Step 5: Adding Support 🌳

To make sure the half-spheres printed smoothly, a tree support was added. It felt like giving my design a little safety net—a digital scaffolding to hold everything together. 🌲 Printing can be demanding, but we were ready!

Step 6: Matching Settings 🎯

Both halves of the sphere needed identical settings. Checked, double-checked, and gave it the thumbs-up. Consistency is key in 3D printing!

Step 7: Slicing for the Preview 🍰

Once everything was set, it was slicing time! Watching the software simulate how the layers would print was like getting a sneak peek into the process—so satisfying! The anticipation was real, and it was hard not to feel a surge of excitement knowing the design was one step closer to reality.

Step 8: Exporting for the Real Deal 🚀

Finally, the design was exported as a G-code file, ready for the 3D printer. This file holds all the juicy instructions for the printer, and with that, the stage was set for printing magic to happen.

I set up the file on the printed and waited for the temprature to be right and begin the printing process!

I was extremely excited to see the final result.

Prepping for 3D Printing on Fabric 🌟✨

Fueled with confidence and adrenaline after the success of the sphere, it was time to level up—3D printing patterns directly onto fabric!

Step 1: Importing the Design 🎨🖱️ Just like with the sphere, the pattern was imported into the Creality software. Seeing the design on the virtual plate was exciting—this was going to be something special!

Step 2: Fabric-Friendly Settings 🧵✨ Since this design was going onto fabric, no supports were added (because fabric provides its own base!). The settings were adjusted to:

Infill Density: 8%.

Infill Pattern: Grid.

These settings ensured the print would be light and flexible, perfect for integrating with the fabric.

Step 3: File Ready for Action 🚀

Once all the tweaks were in place and the pattern looked perfect on the virtual plate, the design was exported as a G-code file. This step sealed the deal—it was officially ready for printing magic to happen.

The Sandwich Method 🥪✨

To make this magic happen, the trusty sandwich method came to the rescue: 1. Print the first layer directly on the printer plate. 2. Pause the printer. 3. Gently place the fabric on top. 4. Resume printing.

This technique ensured that the filament fused perfectly to the fabric, creating a seamless bond. The key here? Timing the pause and resuming at the exact point so the printer didn’t miss a beat. ⏳🎯

The Fabric + Filament Combo 🎨🧵

For this print, a white mesh fabric was used as the base, paired with black filament. The contrast was just chef’s kiss—sleek, bold, and modern. 🖤🤍

Prepping the Fabric 🧷✂️

The fabric had to be just right: Cut neatly to avoid any interference with the printer’s movements. Secured tightly with clips to prevent shifting during printing.

Lesson learned: Magnets would have been a smarter choice! They’d secure the fabric more firmly while being quicker to adjust. But hey, every step is a learning moment! 🧲💡

Anticipation Building! 🥳

Once everything was in place, the printer roared back to life, laying down the filament over the mesh with precision. Watching the layers build up on the fabric was oddly mesmerizing—like witnessing technology and textiles shake hands. 🤝✨

It was extremely satisfying to lift off the fabric of the 3d printing machine, I absolutely loved how it turned out

There was a lot of experimentation that happened with computational couture, thanks to my mentor Rico, I also learned how to create a parametric mandala on blender

Reflections 🪞

Parametric Design Unlocks Endless Creativity 🎨🔄

Parametric tools allow for highly customizable and dynamic designs. Understanding how to manipulate parameters creates opportunities for innovative forms and structures that can be tweaked and optimized effortlessly. It's like having a design toolbox with infinite possibilities! 🛠️✨

Precision is Everything in 3D Printing 🖨️🎯

From slicing settings to material choices, every detail matters. Small adjustments in infill, layer height, or supports can dramatically affect the outcome. This process teaches the importance of precision and patience to achieve a flawless print.

3D Printing on Fabric is a Fusion of Tech and Textiles 🧵🤖

Combining 3D printing with fabric adds a whole new dimension to design possibilities. The flexibility and softness of fabric with the structure and rigidity of 3D printing create unique textures and functional outcomes. It’s a perfect marriage of tradition and technology.

Mistakes Are Just Stepping Stones 🚧✨

Not every print or project goes as planned, but each mishap is a learning opportunity. From realizing better ways to secure fabric (hello, magnets!) to tweaking design parameters, every challenge brings valuable insights for the next attempt.

Special Mentions 🌟

I have to thank my mentor Rico, my super amazing students who assisted me during the 3d printing process