11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric¶
Research & Ideation¶
Open-Source 3D-Printed Sewing Machine Research & Ideation The image shows a compact, open-source sewing machine designed using 3D-printed components and a small DC motor. The design was downloaded from Open Source Hardware Etsy with the help of Anastasia Pistofidou.
Source downloaded from Open Source Hardware Etsy
This model demonstrates how traditional sewing mechanisms can be recreated using digital fabrication tools. The structure integrates mechanical motion, thread tension control, and needle movement through a combination of 3D printed parts, metal rods, and electronic components. The transparent acrylic frame allows visibility of the internal mechanism, making it ideal for educational and experimental use.
Key Observations:
- The frame is made from clear acrylic for rigidity and visibility.
- The needle arm, presser foot, and lever are 3D printed in PLA.
- A small DC motor drives the needle mechanism through a crankshaft linkage.
- The thread spool is mounted on top, feeding through a tension spring and guide.
- The design is modular and open-source, allowing customization and repair.
weekly assignment
Check out the weekly assignment here or login to your NuEval progress and evaluation page.
about your images..delete the tip!!
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Remember to credit/reference all your images to their authors. Open source helps us create change faster together, but we all deserve recognition for what we make, design, think, develop.
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remember to resize and optimize all your images. You will run out of space and the more data, the more servers, the more cooling systems and energy wasted :) make a choice at every image :)
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get inspired!
Check out and research alumni pages to betetr understand how to document and get inspired
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OS Loom - Kae Nagano - Fab Lab Kamakura
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The pattern machine - Marion Guillaud - LeTextileLab Lyon
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Shopbot Hack - Painting machine Asli Aksan - Textile Lab Amsterdam
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Prusa - Pegboard - Viviane Labelle - EchoFab
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Final project - Pauline Gamore
Add your fav alumni's pages as references
References & Inspiration¶
This project is inspired by open-source hardware Lectures and DIY fabrication communities that promote accessible, modifiable tools. The sewing machine design merges mechanical engineering with fashion technology, showing how digital fabrication can replicate traditional machinery.
Sources-Fabricademy 2026: Opensource hardware Lecture
Sources-Fabricademy 2026: Opensource hardware Lecture
Little Lady sewing machine source
Tools¶
- Arduino UNO: for controlling motor speed and direction
- Arduino IDE: for programming motor control logic
- Blender: for 3D modeling and mechanical design
- Orca Flashforge: for 2D laser-cutting templates
- 3D Printer: for fabricating mechanical parts
- Laser Cutter: for cutting acrylic frame components
- Soldering Kit: for wiring and assembling electronic components
BoM¶
Materials¶
| Qty | Description | Price | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DC Motor (12V, 300 RPM) | 10.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | Main drive motor |
| 1 | Acrylic Sheet (5mm) | 8.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | Frame material |
| 1 | 3D Printing Filament (PLA) | 20.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | For printed parts |
| 1 | Arduino UNO | 25.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | Motor control |
| 1 | Motor Driver (L298N) | 8.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | Controls motor speed |
| 1 | Metal Rods (Ø6mm) | 5.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | Needle and lever support |
| 1 | Needle Assembly | 3.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | Sewing needle and holder |
| 1 | Thread Spool | 2.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | For stitching |
| 1 | Power Supply (12V Adapter) | 10.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | Power source |
Process¶
1. Design & Modeling¶
- The 3D model was downloaded from Open Source Hardware Etsy.
- The design files include STL components for 3D printing and assembly instructions.
- The model was reviewed and modified slightly to fit available materials and motor specifications.
- The frame and moving parts were checked for alignment and printability before fabrication.
Machine parts checking in blender
2. Fabrication (Waiting...)¶
(Waiting for 3D print maintenance at a time not working) - 3D Print the mechanical parts (needle arm, presser foot, lever, motor mount) using PLA filament. - Laser Cut the acrylic frame for structural support. - Assemble the printed parts using screws, nuts, and metal rods. - Mount the motor securely to the frame and connect it to the crankshaft linkage.
3. Electronics & Wiring (Waiting...)¶
- Connect the DC motor to the L298N motor driver.
- Interface the motor driver with the Arduino UNO.
- Upload a simple PWM control code to adjust motor speed.
- Test the needle motion and ensure synchronization with the presser foot.
4. Threading & Testing (Waiting...)¶
- Mount the thread spool on the top holder.
- Thread the needle following the designed path through tension guides and spring.
- Test the machine on fabric samples, adjusting motor speed and tension as needed.
5. Calibration & Optimization (Waiting...)¶
- Fine-tune the linkage alignment for smooth needle motion.
- Adjust thread tension to prevent breakage or skipped stitches.
- Reinforce joints or replace printed parts if excessive vibration occurs.
My sketches are ...
This model 1 was obtained by..
The design 2 was created using..
footnote fabrication files
Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.
Code Example¶
Use the three backticks to separate code.
// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
// initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}
// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
delay(1000); // wait for a second
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW); // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
delay(1000); // wait for a second
}
Gallery¶
Video¶
From Vimeo¶
Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.