Computational and Hand-Crafted Textiles

Ari Rapkin Blenkhorn


Mosaic Yarncraft

The mosaic colorwork technique for yarncrafts produces intricate multi-colored designs resembling tile mosaics. Unlike other colorwork methods, they require only one color of yarn per row. Mosaic charts can be used across multiple crafts such as knitting and crochet. Patterns must meet special stitch placement constraints. Few tools exist for creating compliant charts. Manual design is tedious and error-prone.

MoYa is a browser-based application to assist yarncrafters in creating mosaic patterns. It offers a combination of craft-aligned guided freehand drawing and image-based algorithms. Continuous chart validation provides immediate feedback for resolution of non-compliant designs. Chart markup adds craft- and user-specific fabrication details.

Try MoYa here!


Knitted and Crocheted Garments with Unexpected Construction


Project Linus

Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children 0-18 in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. I am the webmaster for the Annapolis, Maryland chapter.