MorphFabric
A smocking 2.5D fabric system enabled by a bi-layer structure of 3D printed thermoplastic on pre-stretched fabric
This project empowers end-users to customize textured or 2.5D textile products using readily available heating tools at home. By harnessing the shape-changing properties of a bi-layer structure—composed of materials with different contraction ratios—it employs 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) on pre-stretched elastic fabric. Starting in its initial "flat" state, the fabric morphs into a "contracted" state when heat is applied. By defining the behavior of a single arc unit, the design can scale to create domes, donut-like geometries, or smocking patterns, introducing a variety of 2.5D textures to garments and textiles.
Define an ideal morphing unit starting from linear behavior characterization
Starting with linear contraction experiments, four parameters were tested: length, layer thickness, line count, and spacing. Length: An optimal length of 30-40mm produced proper arcs. Longer lengths resulted in undesirable wavy curves, making unit behaviors harder to define. Layer Thickness: Thickness above 0.3mm provided strong contraction and consistent arc formation, while thinner layers lacked sufficient deformation force. Line Count and Spacing: Increasing line count expanded single-line behavior into aggregated blocks, while adjusting spacing controlled density within a block. Further insights are explored in the following section.
From linear to radial distribution, enabling donut-like geometry
The next phase of the project builds on the predefined linear arcs by exploring various pattern distributions. Among these, radial distribution produced particularly intriguing results, forming a donut-like geometry. The research then focused on refining this geometry by adjusting parameters such as line distribution density, line length, and the offset distance from the center.
Smocking pattern can be created by both 'linear' and 'block' units
Building on the previous findings in linear contraction behavior, a ‘block’ of multiple lines produces a stronger contraction force, gathering fabric into a ‘tube’ rather than an arc. By arranging these blocks in scattered grid patterns, the fabric can transform into smocking patterns similar to those created by traditional stitching when heat is applied.