Knitted objects : Exploring flat knitting as a technique to design form

This work places itself in the field of textile design, knitting and three-dimensional objects. The primary motive is to investigate flat knitting as a technique to design form. The aim is to explore the possibilities within flat knitting in order to explore the relationship between knit and non-textile components to achieve three-dimensional forms for sitting. The design process consisted of experimental sketching on a flat knitting machine and small prototypes were produced. Rib, plain knit and mesh structures were tested in combination with partial knit, intarsia and plating. These bindings and techniques were combined with steel constructions to explore possibilities for shaping and function. By integrating a non-textile component as support in the knitted samples three-dimensional objects are created. The outcome of the study is a collection of knitted objects. Common for these is that they all suggest a function in relation to seating. The textile in the construction serves a function, an aesthetic expression and as the connection material in the construction. For further development, the possibility of creating textiles for furniture with capabilities for changes in expression and function can be explored