Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric 🧶✨

Session Nutshell 🌰✨

This week was a thread-venture of epic proportions! 🎢✨ After last week’s crystal wizardry during Textile Scaffold (seriously, I’m still thinking about those shiny, sparkly experiments 💎🧪), this week’s Open Source Hardware sessions decided to take things to a whole new level of maker madness.

Threads, yarns, and weaving have always been my happy place—it’s something so calming yet fascinating about turning strands into something beautiful. 🧵✨ But the idea of designing my own hardware? Now that was a game-changer. 💡 My brain instantly went into overdrive imagining all the possibilities, and by the time the sessions started, I was basically a kid in a candy store of creativity. 🍬🎨

Imagine taking the age-old art of weaving and sprinkling it with the magic of open-source tech—chef’s kiss! 👩‍🍳💻 I’m talking intricate mechanisms, smart design ideas, and so much inspiration it felt like my brain might just overflow with ideas (in the best way possible). 🧠💥

Snippets of the session

By the end of it, I was fully convinced: weaving and hardware are a match made in maker heaven. Who knew combining something so traditional with cutting-edge tech could be so fun, creative, and a little bit addictive? ✨ I’m already dreaming up ways to push this even further—and spoiler alert—it’s going to involve a whole lot of thread, ideas, and a dash of chaos. 🛠️🎉

The 2 projects that I absolutely loved done by previous fabri alumni

Kae Nagano (one of my mentors 💖)

Marion Guillaud

Assignment Deep Dive 📝

This week at Fabri Academy was all about diving into the amazing world of hardware creation – a thrilling, hands-on adventure that pushed boundaries, sparked creativity, and unlocked a whole new level of technical wizardry. 💡✨ 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 learnt through sketches, 3D modeling, use of electronics, etc

Fabrication skills: the participant is capable of executing from file to production workflow, from 3D modelling to digital fabrication, electronics, materials

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

Final outcome: The assignment is assembled and either complete or tested

Originality:Has the design been thought through and elaborated?

Students Checklist ✅

Research and document existing fabrication methods, machines and industries, add references, tutorials and sketches of the hardware you will make

Document the process of designing the files for your machine/machine-hack/tool and its fabrication including the assembly process

Document the schematic and the software source code (if any)

Document the parts and how to make your tool or machine

Document your BOM (Bill of materials): electronics, materials, their amount, etcetera (with references of the components)

Upload your 3D model and CAM files (if any)

Design, create and document a final outcome, a sample project of your process

Make a small video of the machine

Create an interface for controling your machine (extra credit)

FAQ

Could I simply replicate an existing OS machine?

Yes, you can replicate an existing OS machine, document well your testing, material recipes / use while using the machine or the electronics you experimented with.

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Project Inspiration 💡

This week’s hardware escapade was nothing short of a creative whirlwind! 🌪️✨ We delved into a variety of mediums, from crafting our own OS machines to recreating existing ones—unlocking a whole universe of possibilities for experimentation and learning. 💡 Early this year, I had the incredible chance to visit Kutch, where I met artisans who shared some of their magic tricks for crafting breathtaking textiles. Watching their artistry on those gigantic manual handlooms was pure fabric sorcery! 🧵✨ Seeing threads transform into fabrics with vibrant patterns and colors was like witnessing a spell being cast.

Weaving has always seemed like an intense and time-consuming craft—and let’s face it, it totally is! But this week, through my research and the global sessions, I stumbled upon portable handlooms that gave me my very own mad scientist moment. 🧠⚡ That’s when the Infinity Loom idea popped into my head, and I was instantly hooked.

Cue an electric brainstorming session with my mentor, Kae, where we geeked out over all things threads and textiles. We dreamt up a bunch of cool ideas: the Infinity Loom, a Photo Loom, a Flexible Loom, and even looms made entirely out of acrylic. But, of course, the Infinity Loom completely stole the spotlight and my heart! 💖✨

Fueled by excitement (and maybe a little caffeine ☕), I jumped straight into experimenting with the concept. Bringing this idea to life has been a wild ride of creativity, problem-solving, and a dash of chaos. Balancing tradition with modern innovation has been nothing short of exhilarating, and let me tell you—this is just the beginning. 🛠️✨

Process Understanding 🧠

After immersing myself in all the research on the different types of handlooms, the pieces started to fall into place—like a perfectly aligned weave! 🧠🧵✨ Everything just clicked, and I could finally see how my ideas could come to life.

One thing was non-negotiable: I wanted to create a loom that wasn’t just functional but also an absolute showstopper. 💖✨ It had to blend utility with aesthetics seamlessly. A quick look at the materials in our lab made the choice clear—acrylic! Its sleek, modern finish was the perfect canvas to bring both form and function together beautifully.

With the vision locked in, I went into full prep mode and did what I always do: pulled together my trusty materials list, ready to kickstart the magic! 🎨✨

Tools 🛠️

1. Art paper - Paper prototype
2. 3mm Corrugated cardboard - Test Prototype 
3. 3mm Neon Green Acrylic 
4. 5mm Red Acrylic 
5. 3mm & 5mm Transparent Acrylic
6. Threads & Yarn

BoM 🧾

Materials

Qty	Description	Price	Vendor	Notes
1	Art Paper	₹165	https://amzn.in/d/dA98tfe	For initial paper prototype
1	3mm Corrugated Cardboard	₹440	Local Vendor	For test prototype
1	3mm Neon Green Acrylic 3ftx4ft	₹155 per sq ft	Local Vendor	Main Design
1	3mm Transparent Acrylic 3ft x 4ft	₹1849	Local Vendor	Main Design
1	5mm Red Acrylic 3ft x 4ft	₹2450	Local Vendor	Main Design
1	5mm Transparent Acrylic 3ft x 4ft	₹2450	Local Vendor	Main Design
1	Thread	₹50	https://amzn.in/d/90xc2OF	Main Design
1	Yarn	₹145	https://magicneedles.in/products/dk-lollipop-anti-pill-cake-yarn-by-hobby-store-7137	Main Design

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With the material exploration all wrapped up, it was finally time to dive back into the loom life! 🎉✨

To test if the Infinity Loom idea was actually doable, I started with a quick paper prototype—because when in doubt, prototype it out! And guess what? It worked like a charm! 🙌✨

Riding high on the success of the paper prototype, the next step was to try the design on something sturdier. Enter trusty corrugated cardboard, my go-to for test runs. 🧾🛠️

I quickly sketched out a design on Adobe Illustrator to figure out the size and mechanics, then laser-cut the test piece to bring it to life.

While working on the prototype, I hit a little snag—the back rod needed a smarter way to fit in, and sticking it was a total no-go. That’s when Gunjan swooped in like a problem-solving superhero with a brilliant idea: an interlocking system! 💡✨ After tweaking the design and running another test cut, everything fit together perfectly. 🛠️🙌

With every step, I’m inching closer to making the Infinity Loom a reality. One test at a time, and it’s already starting to feel like magic! 💖✨

The Process 🎨✨

With the paper and test prototypes all set, it was time to step things up and create the final designs in the sizes I had envisioned for my looms. The excitement was real! Here’s what I worked on:

1. Infinity Loom ✨
2. Tablo Loom (inspired by Helloloom.com)
3. Bookmark Loom 📚
4. Circular Flower Loom 🌸

Using Adobe Illustrator, I meticulously designed the laser-cut files for each loom, ensuring every detail was on point. For the Infinity Loom, I decided to take things a step further by adding engraved patterns—because why settle for ordinary when it could be exquisite? 💖✨

When I sat down to design the pattern for my Infinity Loom, I knew I wanted to channel the magic of my Kutch trip—the vibrant colors, intricate weaves, and the pure jaw-dropping artistry I witnessed. ✨🧵

The diamond motifs and geometric patterns? Yup, those were inspired by the stunning handloom masterpieces I saw in Kutch. They’re not just pretty shapes—they’re steeped in meaning! 💎 They remind me of balance, harmony, and how every thread tells a story. Plus, how could I not include those intricate little swirls? They’re my nod to the endless creativity and skill of the artisans I met. 💖🌀

What the patterns mean!

Geometric Motifs: The diamonds, hourglass shapes, and other geometric patterns are deeply rooted in Kutch's heritage. They often represent themes of balance, harmony, and interconnectedness, reflecting the region's traditional way of life.

Colors and Stripes: The vibrant use of red, yellow, and green alongside the stripes signifies prosperity, energy, and growth. These colors are commonly seen in Kutch textiles and often hold symbolic meaning tied to the natural surroundings and cultural festivities.

Weaving Techniques: Intricate patterns are a hallmark of Kutch handlooms, showcasing the craftsmanship and skill passed down through generations. Each motif is unique to the artisan's creativity and may signify tribal or regional identity.

Utility: Such patterns are not only decorative but often used in functional items like shawls, sarees, or household textiles. The motifs also serve to differentiate ceremonial pieces from everyday use.

Project Assembly 🛠️

Now comes the main event—laser cutting! 🔥 This is hands-down my favorite part of the process. With all the digital files ready, I jumped right in, starting with a quick test cut to ensure the settings for cutting and etching were spot on. Here’s what my parameters looked like:

For 5mm Acrylic:

1. Cutting Speed: 10.00
2. Min Power: 80
3. Max Power: 80

For 3mm Acrylic:

1. Cutting Speed: 15
2. Min Power: 75
3. Max Power: 75

For Etching:

1. Speed: 300
2. Min Power: 10
3. Max Power: 12

I carefully prepped my files to make the absolute most of each acrylic sheet, arranging the designs as close together as possible to minimize waste—because why waste this beautiful material! ♻️✨

To see exact size parameters for each loom download the fabrication files at the bottom of this page!

Once everything was set, it was time to let the laser cutter work its magic.

But first a test cut and etch was due!

And it was love at first sight!😍😍😍

I was so happy with the test cut, I immediately put my design in process & watching the designs come to life with every cut and etch was pure joy. The neon acrylic stole the spotlight with its gorgeous glow, instantly becoming my favorite material of the bunch.

💖✨ I moved on to the most satisfying part of the process: peeling off the protective stickers from the acrylic.

✨ Peel, peel, reveal! ✨ And just like that, the final pieces emerged in all their glory!

The etched details added a whole new level of beauty, especially along the borders—it’s the little touches that make all the difference. After taking a moment to marvel at the results

All the looms all set ❤️💚

With everything ready, I jumped straight into assembling the Infinity Loom. Slotting in the rod at the back (which also cleverly doubles as a stand—genius, right?) was super satisfying. Then came the part I’d been waiting for: weaving! 🧵💃

Check out the weaving process in the video below:

I’m not exactly a pro at weaving (yet!), but the process was so much fun. I can’t wait to keep experimenting with the other looms, refine my technique, and dream up even more creative projects! ✨🎉

Reflections 🪞

From Concept to Creation 🎨✨ Taking an idea from a spark in my mind to a real, tangible product has been such an amazing adventure! Starting with paper prototypes, moving to cardboard, and finally to laser-cut acrylic designs showed me how important it is to test, tweak, and trust the process.

Blending Tradition with Innovation 🧵💡 Infusing the rich weaving techniques of Kutch artisans into the Infinity Loom was a beautiful way to celebrate tradition while sprinkling it with a touch of modern magic. Combining old-school craftsmanship with high-tech laser cutting? A total win! 🙌

The Weaving Struggle 🫠➡️✨ Weaving on the Infinity Loom was definitely a challenge—hello, tangled threads and uneven tension! But each attempt got a little better, and I’m super excited to keep practicing, experimenting, and improving until I can weave like a pro. 🧵🔥

Material and Technique Mastery 🛠️💎 Working with neon acrylic was an absolute highlight—the glow is chef’s kiss! Perfecting the laser-cut settings and adding engraved details taught me so much about balancing precision with creativity. This combo made the looms not just functional but gorgeous! ✨

Joy in the Process 💃💖 From peeling stickers (so satisfying!) to assembling the loom and finally diving into the weaving, every step brought pure joy. It’s been a journey full of aha moments and happy accidents, and I can’t wait to push the boundaries even further with these looms! ✨🎉

Fabrication Files📁

⬇️ Download Loom Open Files here