This project-based course will explore the future of textiles, focusing particularly on blending rich crafting traditions with new technologies. Topics will include textile-based electronics, textile fabrication, algorithmic design, and composites. We will experiment with a wide range of fibers, yarns, and fabrics including traditional materials like wool and cotton as well as metal fibers and yarns, fusible plastics, papers, and resins. We will also explore techniques like felting, laser cutting, CNC knitting, digital printing, and CNC embroidery. Students will complete weekly hands-on assignments and a final project.

Professor: Leah Buechley (leah at media.mit.edu)
TA: Emily Lovell (emme at media.mit.edu)
Location: E14-493, new Media Lab building
Course number: MAS 681, 12 units, H level

Time: Tuesdays 3-6pm
Lab session: Wednesdays 3-6pm
Open lab hours: Fridays 9am-6pm

2011 course website
2010 OpenCourseWare site
2010 course website