Open Source Hardware - from fibers to fabrics#
Global Instructor: 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: https://class.textile-academy.org/tools/machinecatalogue/
Program outline#
- Introduction
- Techniques & history: Knitting, weaving, braiding and beyond
- Machines typologies: Mechanical, Electronic, Digital / industrial
- Machine fields: fiber production, yarn production and processing, fabric production, processing and finishing
- Open source machines & hacking machines examples: Linerar and circular Knitic, Open knit & kniterate, BioLab equipment
- Updating the industry with new tools, democratizing machines
Tools/software#
- Multimeter
- Soldering station
- Electronics setup
- Pliers, wire stripper, flush snips, tweezers
- Laser cutter
- Big milling machine
- CAD / CAM Software: Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Solidworks (Dassault Systèmes), Autodesk Fusion 360, Autodesk Slicer for Fusion 360
- Arduino IDE
Materials#
- Various materials from the lab, open to instructor
Assignment#
- Research and document existing fabrication methods, machines and industries , add references and sketches of the machine and the chosen process
- Design and document the files of the machine, machine hack or tool and fabrication - assembly process
- Document the schematic and the programming code (if any)
- List the materials: electronics, materials amount other (references of the components)
- Design, create and document a final outcome, a sample project of your process
- Make a small video of the machine
- Create an interface for controling your machine
Evaluation and assessment#
Check the Assessment Criteria
References#
Open Source Machines Catalogue - explore catalogue
Fabricademy Tutorials - Open Source Hardware - Electronics - DIY BioLab