caterpillar cutout collection
Four designs utilizing knit shaping techniques to create a caterpillar. All pieces were crafted using the Passap Duomatic knitting machine, connected with yarn, and finished with hand embroidery.
pic creds: @shootedshea on IG
Look 1/4: Caterpillar Cardigan
Look 1/4: Caterpillar Cardigan
Look 1/4: Caterpillar Cardigan
Look 2/4: Halter Turtleneck Tank
Look 2/4: Halter Turtleneck Tank
Look 2/4: Halter Turtleneck Tank
Look 2/4: Halter Turtleneck Tank
Look 3/4: Caterpillar Scarf
Look 3/4: Caterpillar Scarf
Look 3/4: Caterpillar Scarf
Look 3/4: Caterpillar Scarf
Look 4/4: Scaly Set
Look 4/4: Scaly Set
Look 4/4: Scaly Set
Look 4/4: Scaly Set
Process (cardigan only)
The first step was to find inspiration and create a mood board. I was drawn to cutouts and the idea of layering fabric underneath them or intentionally crafting a graphic or character.
I then dove into swatch explorations, experimenting with cutouts on the knit machine. Beginning with a cast-on in French welt, or 1x1 rib, I transferred to jersey stitch. Cutouts were crafted by binding off 12-20 wales and then re-casting on. The size of the cutouts varied depending on the gauge and the number of wales bound off, allowing for a range of possibilities. I explored singular cutouts, random placements, cutouts in rows, and my personal favorite—cutouts shaped like a caterpillar.
I ideated various sketches and design iterations in my sketchbook, using fabric, knit samples, and unconventional objects as inspiration.
I was most drawn to the caterpillar idea and decided to pursue a caterpillar cardigan as my final look. to do this, i created a schematic drawing based on my tension swatches and my personal measurements, as well as directions for each piece.
After constructing each piece, I explored methods to connect the front panels in a way that replicated the cutout pattern, utilizing the natural roll of the jersey fabric. Initially considering bows for this purpose, I found that they didn't produce the desired outcome, so I transitioned to buttons, enhancing them with additional embroidery to make a sideways caterpillar.
If I were to make this again, I'd prefer to place the buttons on the opposite side so that the caterpillar design is easier to follow. Initially, I sewed the buttons on the left side, but when closing the buttonholes on the right, the buttons end up shifting to the right side. This was an oversight I encountered when last-minute altering my design concept. if I had originally planned to use buttons, I would have considered employing the same cut-out technique to create machine-made buttonholes.