Cylindrical knitting is a technique used to create seamless tubular fabrics, such as braids, hats, socks, and sweaters. This method can be performed manually or with the help of a knitting machine. It's widely used in the production of everyday knitwear due to its efficiency and the ability to produce continuous, joined pieces without seams.
While basic children’s knitting machines are available for around $100, more advanced models can cost several hundred to even a few thousand dollars. The process of circular knitting is somewhat similar to 3D printing, as it builds up a 3D object layer by layer using a single yarn. However, it also requires careful design planning. The main idea behind circular knitting machines is to speed up the weaving process, allowing designers to focus more on creativity and prototyping.
During World War I, this type of machine played a crucial role in producing socks for soldiers—essential items that helped prevent frostbite. Fast forward to modern times, visual artists Mar Canet and Varvara Guljajeva spent over three months developing an open-source digital knitting machine called Circular Knitic. They explained:
"With the rapid development of digital manufacturing technology, 3D printers have become common in creative studios. However, most projects focus on hard materials, while soft objects like textiles are rare. In fact, the first digital manufacturing tool, the electronic knitting machine, was discontinued in 1976 and forgotten. Our goal is to bring textile manufacturing back into the maker culture. That’s why we created Circular Knitic."
The artists shared a detailed tutorial on Instructables, explaining how to build the machine. This is a complex project requiring laser cutting, 3D printing, some woodworking, and electronics assembly. The tutorial includes 13 steps, from start to finish, including how to set up the needles. Free 3D printable files are available, along with instructions on how many copies to print and recommended print settings.
To build the machine, you’ll need the following components:
- 60 needles
- Nema23 stepper motor
- Big Easy stepper motor driver
- Arduino Uno
- 12V fan (40mm x 40mm)
- 12V power supply and wiring
- Carbon fiber tensioner (2mm, 55cm)
- 14 bearings (5mm x 10mm x 4mm)
- Screws, nuts, motor shafts, switches, springs
- 60 paper clips (50mm long)
- 2 Makerbeam X-bars (150mm long)
- 2 shorter Makerbeams (60mm long)
- 1 Makerbeam (40mm)
- Makerbeam screws
- 6 L-shaped Makerbeams
- 4 claws
Despite the number of parts, the assembly is straightforward—similar to putting together IKEA furniture with an Arduino. Once everything is built, you can use the machine to knit socks, hats, sweaters, or any other item you desire. The operation is simple: just input the code corresponding to the desired fabric, and the machine does the rest.
If you're not interested in building it yourself, you can purchase a ready-made kit or a fully assembled version through their online store. Whether you choose to build it or buy it, the Circular Knitic project is a fascinating blend of art, engineering, and tradition.
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