HUMAN KNITTING INSTALLATION II

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, Yi-Chin Lee (fabrication)

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.

This project demonstrates a human-knitting installation designed for the MS studio. The installation is multi-faceted in function as the materiality of the installation is aimed as an acoustic barrier and the spatial design responds to zones of personal isolation, meeting point and a vista frame on the way of the approach.

process video

isometric diagram showing knit placement and dimensions inside the MS studio

diagram showing mesh model representative of stitch configuration and bind-off zones

sketches showing human/arm hybrid knitting techniques developed by students in relation to their bodily engagement with the knitting practice

sketch showing material usage calculation in relation to stitch configuration and bi-axial tensioning of the knitted-textile