Geometric modeling of knitted fabrics.

Niu, Lauren; Dion, Geneviève; Kamien, Randall D · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Knitting can turn a one-dimensional yarn into a highly ramified three-dimensional structure. As a method of additive manufacturing, it holds promise for a class of lightweight, ultrastrong materials. Here, we present a purely geometric model to predict the three-dimensional self-folding of knitted fabrics made only of the two traditional stitches, knit and purl.