Woven Behavior and Ornamentation

The class of self-shaping woven textiles are those that undergo a transformation in shape exhibiting three-dimensional behaviors due to the interplay between weave structure and active yarns that shrink, twist or otherwise move during finishing processes such as steaming. When weaving with active yarns to produce dimensional fabrics the unpredictability of the complex interactions involved typically necessitates arduous physical sampling for intentional design and use. Current weaving software, overwhelmingly reliant on 2D graphic depiction of woven fabric, is wholly unable to provide the predictive dimensional appearance of such fabrics that might lead to practical decision making and innovative design solutions. This paper describes an iterative workflow to design self-shaping woven fabrics, from simulation-assisted drafting to the creation of a library of woven behaviors categorized by attributes for seating design. This workflow is then used to inform the design of a new yarn-based simulator as well as to design and fabricate a textile-centric furniture piece in which these woven fabric behaviors and ornamentation are intentionally zoned to the form according to structural, ergonomic and aesthetic considerations.