HUMAN KNITTING INSTALLATION I
2023 - 2024 SPring
Academic + Group Work
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - MS Digital and Material Technologies - Systems Engagement
Instructors | Sean Ahlquist
Collaborators | Jutang Gao, Archit Goyal, Daniel Merupu, Lucas Yan
Human knitting is a hands-on, collaborative method where people use their arms, fingers, or whole bodies to knit, instead of relying on traditional tools or machines.
This practice mirrors the mechanics of machine knitting but focuses on physical involvement, encouraging interaction and sensory exploration. It enables participants to work together in creating larger-scale knit structures, enhancing communication and inclusion. As individuals engage in this process, they learn about different stitch techniques, spatial design, and knit patterns, which can later be applied in both technical and digital knitting contexts.
Human knitting practices are explored as follows throughout the semester:
- Initial Exploration: Designers started by knitting in a small circle of five participants, experimenting with how body placement affects stitch properties in simple tubular knitting.
- Structuring Techniques: They progressed to more complex structures, such as panels and tubes, learning how partial bind-offs and body positioning influenced the outcome.
- Inclusivity and Communication: More participants were integrated into the process, with new techniques like multi-stitch knitting on a single arm, promoting teamwork and clear communication.
- Final Piece: The class created a site-specific installation using the knitting techniques learned, combining methods like finger knitting, arm knitting, and various structural forms for a collaborative, functional outcome.
diagrams showcasing parameters of human-knitting in relation to the bodily existence of the participating individuals and their configuration in the social circle
top view diagram