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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.
I used this pattern to bridge ancient Anatolian geometry and modern 3D printing on fabric.


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


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

Process & Workflow

Step 1 — Modeling the Motif

The Seljuk motif was modeled in Blender 4.5 as a precise geometric form, exported as an STL.

Step 2 — Slicing

The STL was prepared in Cura 5.8.1 and optimized for hybrid printing.
Layer height: 0.2 mm / Infill: 65 %.
Printing was paused manually at 65 % progress to insert the fabric.

Step 3 — Embedding the Textile

  1. Paused the printer mid-process.
  2. Cleaned the nozzle tip with scissors to remove oozing filament.
  3. Placed a tulle fabric tightly over the part and taped edges to keep tension.
  4. Resumed printing — molten PLA (220 °C) flowed through the mesh, fusing both layers.


Fig. 3 — PLA adhesion through tulle mesh.


Fig. 4 — Smaller motif variations embedded into textile.


Fig. 5 — Final composition displayed in an embroidery hoop.

Learnings

  • Tulle’s density determines how well the PLA bonds.
  • A manual mid-print pause is an effective low-cost way to embed textiles.
  • Despite being an older model, the Anycubic i3 Mega S performed reliably.
  • Bridging ancient Islamic geometry and parametric fabrication opens poetic design possibilities.

Next Steps

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