Researchers from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have developed a computer-aided knitting system that automatically generates knitted hats, gloves and other clothing.

According to the MIT CSAIL team, the software users input their chosen designs, color and dimensions and those instructions are sent by computer to a knitting machine, which produces the article.

Source: MIT CSAIL

Two software programs make this possible. The InverseKnit software system generates knitwear patterns from a database of knitted objects, where the images train a deep neural network to automatically produce machine knitting patterns. Likewise, CADKnit is a software system that enables novice knitters to customize templates by combining 2D images with CAD (computer aided design) and photo-editing software to create the templates. Both systems work with a variety of knitting machines, according to the research team.

The research team believes that the software has applications for the manufacturing industry as well as for novice and seasoned knitters. Such software could potentially expedite the time it takes to create wool knitwear while also eliminating waste.

"Whether it's for the everyday user who wants to mimic a friend's beanie hat, or a subset of the public who might benefit from using this tool in a manufacturing setting, we're aiming to make the process more accessible for personal customization," said Alexandre Kaspar, lead author of the paper about the new system.