11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric

Research & Ideation

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At first, I didn’t fully understand what “open source from fibers to fabric” meant, but as I researched, I realized how wide and exciting this topic is. It goes far beyond traditional textiles—just like Fabricademy, it connects material exploration, digital fabrication, and open knowledge. The goal is to understand textiles from their raw beginnings while also using modern tools to innovate.

This approach covers the entire journey:

•   Fibers & Materials: natural, recycled, bio-based, and experimental materials like algae, bio-leathers, or food-waste fibers.
•   Yarn Preparation: spinning, carding, dyeing, and simple open-source tools to turn fibers into usable threads.
•   Fabric Construction: weaving, knitting, crochet, open-source looms, and digital knitting machines.
•   Digital Fabrication: laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing, and vacuum forming to shape, cut, emboss, or mold textiles and biomaterials.
•   Open-Source Mindset: documenting every step so anyone can learn, recreate, remix, or improve the process.

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Tools & Machines I Learned About (Short List)

•   Hand Spindle / Spinning Wheel: turns fibers into yarn.
•   Carding Tools: align fibers before spinning.
•   Looms (hand or digital): weave threads into fabric.
•   OpenKnit Machine: open-source automatic knitting.
•   Laser Cutter: cuts or engraves fabric with precision.
•   3D Printer: creates molds, patterns, or supports for material tests.
•   CNC Router: carves molds or shapes for textile experiments.
•   Vacuum Forming Machine: shapes heated sheets or biomaterials over molds using suction.

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My Reflection

Through this research, I learned that textiles are no longer just traditional—they are becoming a mix of craft, technology, and innovation. The open-source approach makes everything accessible, allowing anyone to create, explore, and push the limits from fibers all the way to advanced fabric forms.

References & Inspiration

I was inspired by open-source DIY vacuum forming machines shared in Fab Labs and maker communities. I chose this technique because it allows precise and repeatable shaping of materials, which directly supports my leather molding experiments.

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Tools

. ShopBot CNC machine

. CAD software (SolidWorks)

. Computer workstation

. Workshop Tools

. Drill machine

. Orbital sander

. Clamps

. Screwdriver

. Measuring tape

. Ruler

-Testing Equipment Vacuum cleaner (temporary vacuum source)

Materials

. Plywood sheets

. Wooden panels (CNC cut parts)

. Screws

. Wood glue

. Sandpaper

. Silicone sealant (for airtight sealing – to be added)

Process

• Design – I drew a simple vacuum chamber (box + perforated top + side port for the vacuum hose) in CAD, sized for my molds.

• CNC Cutting – I cut all panels on the ShopBot CNC (top plate, sides, and base).

• Assembly – I glued the panels together, aligned everything, then used clamps while it dried.

• Top Surface – I prepared the top plate (with holes) so air can be pulled evenly across the surface.

• Seal Prep – I checked joints and gaps so I can seal them later (airtight sealing is the key).

• Next Step – The build isn’t finished yet because I still need to attach a vacuum source (shop vacuum/pump) to test suction and performance.

My sketches are ..

Video

Here is the process of how i fixed the vacuum box