A Further Try: Composing Knitted Patterns by Playing on a Multi-Input Device

Knitted fabrics are widely used in clothing because of their elasticity, comfort and recovery properties as well as diversity in pattern design and texture. Up of one yarn only. Creating a knitted pattern, especially a hand knitted pattern is a cumbersome task in the textile industry. In this paper, we extend our previous try on composition of weaving pattern by music playing to knitted pattern. We propose a direct piano-like playing scheme for composing knitted patterns on multi-input devices rather than the synthesized modes for weaving patterns in our previous try. Taking weft-knits as examples, discrete notes on the treble staff are translated into a sequence of signatures of knit stitches and discrete notes in the bass staff are translated into a sequence of signatures of purl stitches. A summation tone is translated into multiple knit, purl and slip stitches. Artists can use their right hand to knit and their left hand to purl across the needles in cooperation. The sequences of knit and purl stitches become the notes on the full gamut of shafts and treadles. Our results show that we are able to compose a family of knitted patterns in a similar way to playing a basic instrument such as a piano in a relatively short time. © 2011 ACM.