Configured Knitting Grafting as an assembly process for knitted architecture. Jane Scott 1 , Elizabeth Gaston 2 , Armand Agraviador 3 1,3 Newcastle University 2 Northumbria University 1,3 {jane.scott|Armand.agraviador}@newcastle.ac.uk 2 Elizabeth.gaston@northumbria. ac.uk There is a growing interest in knit as a material system for architectural research in a workflow that integrates computation and digital fabrication in the design and specification of highly engineered fabrics. However, the dimensional limitations of industrial machines mean that large scale work may require assembly from multiple pieces. Reconfiguring knitted fabric by joining fabric panels disrupts the performance of the material, challenging the computational model when fabric characteristics are transformed at the seams.The aim of this research is to evaluate the potential for grafting, a traditional joining method for knitted fabric, as an assembly technique for architectural scale knitted prototypes. The paper presents an overview of knitted loop geometry focusing on the impact of loop construction in textile joins. The paper presents experimental research conducted using unconventional off-machine techniques at two scales, demonstrating how grafting can be used to assemble 3D structures without compromising the integrity of the material. Findings highlight the significance of this technique and suggest how the work could translate to digital fabrication. Keywords: Knit, Grafting, Computational Form Generation, Textile Design INTRODUCTION This research emerged from an investigation into the design and fabrication of complex knitted forms con- structed at a building scale. The project brings to- gether researchers working in textile design, specif- ically knitted fabric specialists, with computational design, and architecture. The aim of the research is to reposition the design challenge of knitted archi- tecture from a textile perspective, focusing on the de- sign opportunity afforded by joining processes used within traditional knitwear in order to maintain the performance of the knitted material throughout an architectural form. This paper presents an overview of the design methodology, one that integrates textiles sampling, form-finding and large-scale prototyping. At the first stage of this research knit preforms (branch- ing structures composed of multiple knitted tubes) are defined through knit sampling. Computational form finding is used to generate a branching dome topology integrating multiple knitted preforms. This topology is explored at both a sample size and as Draft - eCAADe 39 | 1