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6. Computational Couture — 3D Printing on Tulle

Research & Ideation

The Anatolian Seljuk Turkish State (1077–1308 CE) was the continuation of the Great Seljuk Empire, flourishing across Anatolia.
They created a visual language of sacred geometry — symbolic, mathematical, and deeply aesthetic.

This week, I reinterpreted one of their star motifs through a computational design workflow, exploring how traditional geometry can merge with digital fabrication and textile surfaces.

References

The motif symbolizes unity, infinity, and balance — recurring elements in Seljuk architecture and ceramic tiles.
This pattern was used to bridge ancient Anatolian geometry and modern computational fabrication.

Fig. 1 — Research board: Seljuk geometric motifs and tile patterns

Fig. 1 — Research board: Seljuk geometric motifs and tile patterns.

Tools & Materials

Tool / Material Description
Software Blender 4.5 (3D modeling), UltiMaker Cura 5.8.1 (slicing)
Printer Anycubic i3 Mega S
Filament PLA
Textile Fine tulle (mesh)
Temperature 220 °C nozzle / 60 °C bed
Extra tools Scissors, painter’s tape

Anycubic i3 Mega S used for 3D printing

Fig. 2 — Anycubic i3 Mega S used for 3D printing.

Process & Workflow

Step 1 — Modeling the Motif (Computational Design)

The Seljuk star motif was reconstructed in Blender 4.5 using a modular and repeatable geometric logic.
Rather than reproducing a static decorative pattern, the motif was translated into a computational unit.

The base geometry was generated from intersecting polygonal structures derived from Seljuk star proportions.
This unit was then duplicated radially to preserve symmetry, balance, and continuity.

Key parameters such as scale, line thickness, and spacing were adjusted to: - allow flexibility when printed on textile surfaces, - support material flow through the mesh, - and maintain structural clarity.

The final geometry was optimized as a single-layer structure, suitable for direct 3D printing on fabric, and exported as an STL file.

Blender modeling stage — Seljuk star motif as modular and repeatable units

Fig. 3 — Blender screenshot showing modular construction and radial repetition of the Seljuk star motif.

Cura slicing preview — layout and toolpath before hybrid printing

Fig. 4 — Cura screenshot showing slicing preview and print layout prior to textile embedding.

Step 2 — Slicing

The STL file was prepared in UltiMaker Cura 5.8.1 and optimized for hybrid printing.

  • Layer height: 0.2 mm
  • Infill: 65 %

Printing was manually paused at approximately 65 % progress to allow textile embedding.

Step 3 — Embedding the Textile

  1. The printer was paused mid-process.
  2. Excess filament was removed from the nozzle tip using scissors to prevent material buildup.
  3. A fine tulle fabric was placed tightly over the printed surface and fixed with painter’s tape to maintain tension.
  4. Printing was resumed — molten PLA (220 °C) flowed through the mesh and mechanically bonded with the textile.

PLA adhesion through tulle mesh

Fig. 5 — PLA adhesion through tulle mesh.

Smaller motif variations embedded into textile

Fig. 6 — Smaller motif variations embedded into textile.

Final composition displayed in an embroidery hoop

Fig. 7 — Final composition displayed in an embroidery hoop.

Video Documentation — Final Result

Fig. 8 — Final video showing the 3D printed Seljuk motif embedded into tulle textile.

Learnings

  • Tulle’s density significantly affects material adhesion.
  • Manual mid-print pausing is an effective low-cost technique for textile embedding.
  • Despite being an older model, the Anycubic i3 Mega S performed reliably.
  • Translating historical Islamic geometry into computational fabrication opens poetic and contemporary design possibilities.

Next Steps

  • Experiment with TPU for flexible and wearable results.
  • Explore bioplastic filaments for sustainable soft composites.
  • Develop a modular lattice system based on Seljuk tiling for garments, lamps, or architectural textiles.