ABSTRACT
Since the introduction of seamless knitting machines by Shima Seiki; Wholegarment® in 1995, digital technology has been globally adopted. However, the extent of the design capabilities of the seamless knit technology remains vastly underutilised, due in part to the complexity of the programming system and the disconnect between designers and the technology. This project aims to investigate the question; How can the complex seamless knit automatic software be technologically exploited to expand potential design outputs? A series of practice-led investigations drive the study through explorations of extreme shape, asymmetrical forms and the juxtaposition of hard and soft surfaces in knitted textiles. This practice-led research, approached from the position of a designer-maker, harnesses an action research methodology while applying a digital craft approach to textile making. The focus of the project is the automatic seamless knit software and modes of making that disrupt the linear design process to extend the outputs beyond the standard apparel shapes. The created practice-led outputs provide opportunities for seamless knitted textile knowledge to shift into discipline areas where it is currently unknown or underutilised.
