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Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric#

November 24st, 2026

Sara Diaz

This class explores the field of Open Source Hardware, focusing on its potential for textile production and the development of custom tools and machines that support biolab research and digital fabrication practices. Examining how tools, techniques and machinery have shaped fabric-making through historical and technical lenses. By blending heritage knowledge with modern fabrication methods and new material opportunities, it reimagines textile machinery as adaptable, modifiable platforms for experimentation and innovation. The course questions existing technologies and demystifies “black-boxed” systems, advocating for open-source and shared technological development. With a focus on machine hacking, tool modification and the design of accessible machinery, participants explore how open-source machines, modified equipment and new fabrication processes can expand accessibility to textile production, supporting distributed and community-driven innovations. Our catalogue can be found here.

Read more in our handbook

Weekly Assignment#

Visit the handbook to see the assignment criteria for this class.


Video#

2026-2027#

Lecture#

  • video recordings linked here after lecture

Review#

  • video recordings linked here after review


Previous years videos#

You can find videos of previous years through the following links.