Personalized Knit Masks

In this paper we outline a new workflow for textiles customization through the design and fabrication of knit shape-changing masks that contain multi-material fibers to create programmable transformation. We have created a process for producing standardized and scalable textile goods using a flatbed industrial CNC knitting machine which are then "tailored" to an individual's body measurements through a system of programmable textiles, custom multi-material fiber, and robotic heat activation. Hybridizing the efficiency of standardized textile production with unique geometric variation, the proposed strategy centers on the shape-change behavior of fibers and precise knit structures to produce personalized textiles. This work focuses on the face mask as an example of a now-ubiquitous textile good that is often ill fitting and yet can now be highly tailored to an individual’s personal fit and comfort. This paper outlines the materials, knit fabric development, mask design, digital workflow, and fabrication steps for producing truly customized masks for an individual's unique facial geometry.