2021.06.30

Lingxiao Luo Explores the Possibilities of Merging Knitting Techniques with 3D Printing

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3D printers have been used in the machine and automotive industries as additive tools. One of the benefits is that shapes that could not be created with traditional manufacturing methods can be produced using a 3D printer, and it is even possible to do rapid prototyping. Lingxiao Luo, a knit designer based in Shanghai, conceived the project 'AddiKnit' which seeks to apply the merits of 3D printing to clothing by combining knit and 3D printer technologies. Her work 'AddiToy', presented at the Royal College of Art (RCA) 2018 graduation collection, allows the creation of 3D structures by directly 3D printing on loosely knitted fabric. We asked her about her attempts so far and the potential applications of combining knitting techniques with 3D printing.

PROFILE

Lingxiao Luo

She is a knit designer, artist, and researcher based in Shanghai. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion (Knitwear Women's). After graduating from RCA, she worked as a knitwear designer for fashion brands such as COMME MOI and NIKE Shanghai. She conducts research on shape-shifting knit textiles and hybrid textiles of 4D printing.

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How was 'AddiToy' Born?

Can you tell us about the production process and comfort of AddiToy?

Basically, what we did with AddiToy doesn't differ much from regular clothes. This is because when we create normal clothes, we use hard materials like support parts and fixed parts. For instance, if you're using a thicker material or fabric, it will inevitably have a certain degree of hardness. Therefore, it is not that different from other clothes, and you can even wash them.