OriStitch: OriStitch: A Machine EmbroideryWorkflow to Turn Existing Fabrics into Self-Folding 3D Textiles (ACM SCF'25)
- Zekun Chang Cornell Tech, USA
- Yixuan Gao Cornell Tech, USA
- Yuta Noma The University of Toronto, Canada
- Shuo Feng Cornell Tech, USA
- Xinyi Yang Georgia Tech, USA
- Kazuhiro Shinoda University of Tokyo, Japan
- Tung Ta University of Tokyo, Japan
- Koji Yatani University of Tokyo, Japan
- Tomoyuki Yokota University of Tokyo, Japan
- Takeo Someya University of Tokyo, Japan
- Tomohiro Tachi University of Tokyo, Japan
- Yoshihiro Kawahara University of Tokyo, Japan
- Koya Narumi Keio University, Japan
- Francois Guimbretiere Cornell University, USA
- Thijs Roumen Cornell Tech, USA
Abstract
OriStitch is a computational fabrication workflow to turn existing flat fabrics into self-folding 3D structures. It uses machine embroidering of functional threads in specific patterns on fabrics, users then apply heat to deform the structure into a target 3D structure. OriStitch is compatible with a range of existing materials (e.g., leather, woven fabric, and denim).
We present the design of specific embroidered hinges that fully close under exposure to heat. We discuss the stitch pattern design, thread and fabric selection, and heating conditions. To allow users to create 3D textiles using our hinges, we create a tool to convert 3D meshes to 2D stitch patterns automatically, as well as an end-to-end fabrication and actuation workflow. To validate this workflow, we designed and fabricated a range of application models consisting of up to 338 hinges each (the cap of Figure 1, a handbag, and a vase cover).
In technical evaluation, we found that our tool successfully converted 26/28 models found in related papers. We also demonstrate the folding performance across different materials (suede leather, cork, Neoprene, and felt).
Citation
Contact
If you have questions about this work, contact Zekun Chang at zc247 at cornell dot edu.