Hybrid Embroidery: Exploring Interactive Fabrication in Hand Crafts

This research presents Hybrid Embroidery, a system for interactive fabrication that leverages the potential of computation to broaden the possibilities of the embroidery craft. Combining traditional crafting techniques of embroidery, computational design methods, computer vision, and computer numerical control (CNC), the research shows how this framework elicits a variety of innovative fabrication experiences that emphasize open-ended exploration, improvisation, and play. Interacting with the system's algorithms in a conversational, turn-based fashion, users create generative embroidery stitching paths that result in unique embroidery pieces. Each embroidered piece acts as a module of the bigger picture in the game of exquisite corpse based on the inherent communal nature in textile crafting. Hybrid Embroidery thus offers an example of how computational methods may enrich crafts and other creative practices. Further, the research highlights implications for supporting creative exploration through real-time and direct manipulation of materials and close human-machine interaction. Through Hybrid Embroidery, this thesis documents results and challenges to reflect on how to reposition embroidery with a tradition of collectivity in traditional crafting.