KNITIT: a computational tool for design, simulation, and fabrication of multiple structured knits

Highly specified digital control tools for the customization of knitted fabrics is an existing technology, widely used industrially by trained knitters. Some fabrication challenges inhibit the extent of use of digital customization for knitted products on a mass scale, specifically when complex multiple structured knits are involved. This is due, in part, to physical changes that occur in the overall fabric dimensions, when stitch combinations with different physical attributes are combined within the same fabric. Existing computational tools fail to assist in the simulation and prediction of these overall deformations and the industry as a whole relies on the expertise of highly trained individuals. The outline shape of the fabric is of specific importance as it is commonly preconfigured to a specific shape and dimension that must be reproducible. In this work, we propose a computational parametric tool for digitally designing and industrially producing knitted fabrics, creating a direct link between design and manufacturability. The tool includes an integrated physical simulation component for estimating the fabric deformation. It allows users to visualize and control compensations in the fabric structure, to better match between the initial graphic intent of the design and the actual physical knitted fabric outcome. Our approach aims to reduce the number of iteration cycles for knitting material samples, especially when knitting highly varied designs.