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PROCESS

Ideation & sketches

I have been sketching the design and figuring out the design in my head before I bring into CLO3D

These are different iterations of the intial design on my concept page, as well as some specific elements I am breaking into pattern pieces.

CONCEPT & CONTEXT

Objective: Rethink denim recycling by rejecting the patchwork aesthetic and instead embedding sustainability through subtlety, modularity, and reinterpretation.

Your Key Themes:

  • Circular economy
  • Modularity (transformable garments)
  • Sensory & material experimentation
  • Hybrid fabrication (digital + analog)

Research Base:

  • Upcycled denim challenges (fraying, aesthetic limitations)
  • Bio-material testing (agar-based blends)
  • Modularity as a design principle, not just function

Design & Fabrication

DIGITAL DESIGN IN CLO 3D

Why CLO 3D: Allows you to digitally simulate deconstructed garments and reconstruct them with modular logic, minimizing waste in real-time. Process:

  • Model basic garments (jacket, trousers, vest) based on modular panels.
  • Import fabric scans of used denim to match real materials.
  • Use layers and topstitching features to simulate reused elements.
  • Test modular elements: flaps, removable pockets, snapped-on sleeves.
  • Export patterns with seam lines, notches, and modular instructions.

I focused on creating garments with “interchangeable function-based modules” rather than decorative patching or details.


CLO 3D GUIDE

2D Pattern Creation Tools

These tools are the core of garment design in CLO 3D, where you draft flat patterns similar to physical pattern-making.

Polygon Tool (2D Pattern → Polygon):

  • Use this to draw freeform pattern shapes (e.g., bodices, sleeves, pants).

  • Click to place each point; double-click to close the shape.

Rectangle / Ellipse Tool:

  • Quickly generate geometric base shapes—useful for structured garments or modular panels.

Internal Line Tool:

  • Draw lines within a pattern (e.g., for seams, tucks, darts, embroidery placement, etc.).

  • Can also be used to create fold lines or slicing guides.

Add Point / Edit Curve:

  • Add more control points to a pattern for shaping (like princess seams, curved hems).

  • Use the "Edit Curve Point" tool to add curvature for armholes, necklines, etc.

Sewing Tools

Once you create patterns, you connect them using sewing lines.

Segment Sewing:

  • Connect one edge of a pattern to another by clicking on each.

  • For example: sew a sleeve edge to an armhole.

Free Sewing:

  • Allows sewing across multiple segments.

  • Good for asymmetric or irregular shapes.

M:N Sewing:

  • Useful when one pattern edge needs to connect to two or more (e.g., gathering a skirt into a waistband).

Edit Sewing:

  • Lets you move or adjust the start/end of sewing lines without redrawing them.

3D Simulation

After sewing, CLO simulates how the fabric will drape and fit on the avatar.

Simulate (Spacebar):

  • Press the spacebar to simulate your garment. CLO uses physics to replicate fabric movement and tension.

  • During simulation, you can tug and reposition fabric in 3D.

Strengthen / Freeze Patterns:

  • Strengthen: Adds rigidity (useful when assembling complex parts like collars or linings).

  • Freeze: Locks a pattern in place (helpful during construction stages).

Fabric & Materials

Control how your garment behaves by assigning fabric types.

Object Browser > Fabric:

  • Add fabric swatches (cotton, denim, silk, etc.) and customize weight, stiffness, thickness, etc. CLO provides a fabric library with presets.

Graphic & Texture Mapping:

  • Apply scanned denim textures or logos. Use the Transform Graphic tool to position and scale artwork on the garment.

Color, Topstitching & Details

  • Add finishing touches to simulate real clothing.

Topstitch Tool:

  • Apply visible stitching to pattern edges (choose stitch type, length, color).

  • Great for denim details or decorative seams.

Button/Buttonhole, Zippers, and Snaps:

  • Add fasteners that actually work in simulation (they can open/close).

  • Place them using the Trim section in the 3D Toolbar.

Folding & Pleats:

  • Use Fold Arrangement or Elastic Tools to simulate structural folds.

  • Good for origami designs or puffy modular panels.

Avatars & Fit Checking

  • Test how garments fit and move on different body types.

  • Avatar Library: Choose male/female avatars or upload custom body scans.

  • Fit Map: View pressure/tension maps (red = tight, blue = loose). Helps you adjust ease and fit.

Exporting

  • Export Pattern (DXF, PDF): Send your final design to be laser-cut or printed.

  • Render (High-Quality Image): Create realistic renders with lighting and fabric physics for portfolios or presentation.



LASER CUTTING

HERE ARE SOME IMAGES OF THE LASER CUTTING PROCESS. FROM ROLL OF FABRIC TO FINISHED PATTERN CUTTING.

DIGITAL EMBROIDERY INTEGRATION

Goal: Introduce detail and reinforce panels without relying on decorative patchwork. Process:

  • Create vector-based embroidery graphics.
  • Use software like Ink/Stitch or Hatch to generate embroidery paths.
  • Pre-embroider panels before assembly — use interfacing on thin denim.
  • Test tactile quality — how it interacts with modularity and wear.

QUICK INKSTITCH GUIDE FROM .JPG to .PES

Import Image

  • Open Inkscape

  • Go to File → Import and select your .jpg or .png

Trace Bitmap to Create Vectors

Select the image

  • Go to Path → Trace Bitmap

  • Choose Brightness Cutoff or Edge Detection

  • Click OK → delete the original image

Set Up Stitches with Ink/Stitch

  • Go to Extensions → Ink/Stitch → Params

Choose:

  • Fill stitch for closed shapes

  • Running or satin stitch for lines or text

  • Adjust stitch density, angle, etc.

Preview

  • Extensions → Ink/Stitch → Simulate

  • Confirm the stitch order and direction

Save as Embroidery File

  • File → Save As

  • Choose format: .PES, .DST, .JEF, etc. (based on your machine)

There are many types of embroidery stitches and methodologies for getting different results. I mainly used full fill embroidery methods, below are some screenshots of the process and outcome.

SEWING AND MODULAR ASSEMBLY

Machine: Industrial or denim-weight sewing machine (singer heavy duty) Threads: Bonded nylon or heavy-duty polyester Assembly Tips:

  • Use flat-felled seams for strength and clean finish.
  • Pre-punch snap/button holes with laser cutter if needed.
  • Use press studs and toggles as your modular connectors.
  • Use contrasting thread only where intentional — subtlety is key.

I added snap fasteners to separate strips of denim that I could then sew onto the garment. Allowing for a greater repairability as well as personalization of fit and finish.

HERE ARE IMAGES SHOWING THE AREA WHERE I WAS SEWING, SOME PHOTOS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LEG PANELS AS WELL AS THE STRIPS OF SNAP FASTENERS THAT I ADDED.

BIO-MATERIAL

Goal: Explore alternative materials and finishes for surfaces, edges, or standalone elements. Recipes Used:

  • Agar-Agar + Glycerine for flexible, semi-transparent bioplastics
  • agar-based versions for coatings and finihes
  • Colored with activated pigments or mica

Applications:

  • Create semi-rigid overlays for patches or armor-like accents
  • Use as waterproof layers or detail insets
  • Mold into logos or tags to sew into the garments


The coatings will change how the fabric or denim will behave, drape or flow. This can be used to your advantage if you want different parts of the garments to behave or fit differently, use more or less of the coating to get the intended effect.

These are some bio-material samples that I have done to find a coating or different possibilites of using a bio-material with denim.



THESE ARE PHOTOS OF THE COATING AND BIO-MATERIAL SHEET PROCESS AND FINISHED PRODUCT