Weaving projects to introduce Computaitonal Thinking and Coding

For the MassCUE 2022 presentation

These projects are appropriate for grades 3 - 12 as an introduction to Computational Thinking and Coding.  Connections can be made to other subjects in areas such as Social studies (History of textile manufacturing, Native American weaving patterns) and Math (patterns, sets).

Weaving and Computational Thinking

Students are introduced to computational thinking and coding concepts through hands-on weaving and pattern design – no computers needed!   

Start by tinkering with bulky yarn on simple cardboard looms to learn about weaving, weave patterns and the ins-and-outs of creating weaves.  
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Discover the patterns seen on common fabics such as basket weave, twill, satin, and herringbone, Each row has a sequence of under and over weaves, and there will always be at least 2 types of rows.​

Next, create your own patterns on graph paper, and replicate them with yarn to make fabric pieces. Try combinations of weave patterns, using plain weaves on the edges for strength.

For robust fabric with sides that do not unravel, there are rules that must be followed, such as the number of “unders” or “overs” in a row, and how to start the yarn in the next row.  The graph paper models are useful in making edges (left and right) that will not unravel.  Students can identify where the pattern goes Under →  Under or Over → Over and change one of the stitches so the weft yarn is retained when it goes to the next row.

​There are several parts of the activity, used as fits the available time and student readiness.  

1. Look at samples to identify different weave types and figure out the rules that woven fabrics must follow.
2. Create instructions or “codes” that explain how to do a particular weave, then relate to computer coding and algorithms.
3. Create patterns for fabric squares on graph paper, including common weaves or designing a new one. (Choose to start with two or more colors)
4. Make a cardboard loom and weave a custom fabric square 
5. Create a “code” to explain the custom fabric square they designed and have another student follow the code to verify it (on graph paper or woven).  Relate to computer coding concepts (algorithms, functions, variables, repeat loops, etc.)
6. Compare  and contrast fabric squares in terms of patterns, codes, or other features
7. Create a quilt/tapestry by joining all the fabric squares.

     

Basic process:
Make a loom and create the warp. Use a paper clip as the shuttle to weave your pattern and finish the edges.

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Coding weave patterns in Scratch

Continue the weaving project as an example of computational thinking by identifying the algorithms used in the creation of the weave patterns.  Use Scratch to test your algorithms, practice coding, and even come up with new patterns.
Keeping with the philosophy that a great way to learn coding is by tinkering with (or "hacking") existing code, we provide students with starter code.  Feel free to use our code scratch.mit.edu/projects/387190963 and remix it as needed.  In this code we used the Pen function to create the Warp (columns) and the Stamp function to create the Weft using custom designed  “Under” and “Over” costumes. 
Our starter code demonstrates Plain and Basket weaves as shown in the image.

Encourage students to design their own unique weave, adapt the code, and model it on the computer.  They may like it so much they want to weave it into fabric!

Materials

• Cardboard
• Bulky yarn #6

Tools

• Sciccors
• Paper clips

References

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