The Digitalization of Knitwear: towards a redefinition of the conventional design boundaries

In the contemporary context, the knitting industry is dealing with a scarcity of 3d simulation tools, resulting, to date, in a sampling-based method where refinements to a specific design are often abandoned or compromised. While, in other design fields, virtual 3d modeling profitably interacts with hardware technology (e.g., 3d printers) (Verbruggen, 2014), such tools do not easily connect to the conventional textile technology of industrial knitting machines (Underwood, 2018). This paper explores the state of the art of knitted textiles digitalization, aiming to outline practical support to knitwear design practice with a specific focus on possible digital tools to integrate design and fabrication prerogatives.