Online Masterclass:
3D printing parametric textiles

JUly 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 AND 17 -  7:30-10PM CEST

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Course features

  • 6 live online workshops of 2.5 hours each. These will be recorded.

  • Level: Intermediate
    Maximum 15 participants

  • Study time: 15 hours, plus practice

Course overview
This class teaches you how to create spectaculair textiles for footwear and other applications using Grasshopper. It is the highly requested online version of the masterclass that Lorenzo Masini gave as part of our Footwearise event in 2024. The images you see on this page are of the textiles made by the participants of this class.
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3D printing offers options for textiles that are not possible with any other technology, especially in combination with parametric design software such as Grasshopper, both from an aesthetic and functional perspective. Programming in Grasshopper allows you to design textiles based upon data and to make quick and endless variations.
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You will need beginner knowledge of Grasshopper for this course. This is why we are offering a special discount on our Grasshopper for Footwear course. If you do not have any knowledge of Grasshopper, we advise you to do this course first and then jump into this parametric textiles course. We now have a super attractive bundle for both courses for only 499 euros!

Course format

Printing a full shoe might take more than 20 hours, but printing a textile is usually only a few layers and can be done in less than one hour or even in a matter of minutes. Flexible 3D printing materials can be stitched together - or you could create a modular system if you would rather not stitch - so you can still create a full upper, a bag, apparel etc.

In this Masterclass we are exploring the options that 3D printing brings to textiles. Instead of just printing them as a flat 2-dimensional structure, like a regular weave or knit, we are using Grasshopper to create new textiles that are truly 3-dimensional, combining performance and aesthetics. We then also explore how those 3D textiles could work around a 3D shape.
This class is not meant for absolute beginners. It is especially helpful if you already have some experience in Grasshopper or other procedural parametric software. If you do not have any 3D experience yet, we advise you start with our beginner course for printing textiles.

You do not necessarily need experience in 3D printing, we will teach you all you need. In this Masterclass we will be using affordable 3D printers that have a large build plate and are specifically suitable for textiles, so you can apply everything you learn in this course in your own practice without having to make a huge investment.

You will learn tips and tricks that were developed by our own experts so you are not able to get this knowledge anywhere else.

Course Schedule

WEEK 1:

Session 1 – July 1, 2025
Definition 01: Geometric Rise

Construction of a modular grid with local scaling parameters to control density and cell dimensions.

Session 2 – July 3, 2025
Definition 02: Geometric transition and Hex Wrap

Generation of pattern starting from transition between textures

WEEK 2: Stochastic textures

Session 3: Stochastic Textures - July 8, 2025
Definition 03: Noise-Driven Cell Displacement
 
Carving Noise is applied to displace cells across a grid while maintaining 3D-printable continuity.

Session 4 – July 10, 2025
Definition 04: Shortest path

Use of vector fields and shortest path algorithm to create textures

WEEK 3: Auxetic textures

Session 5 – July 15, 2025
Definition 05: Auxetic A

A Parametric construction of an auxetic unit cell, scalable for different applications.

Session 6 – July 17, 2025
Definition 06: Auxetic B
Projection of an auxetic pattern onto curved surfaces for advanced 3D applications.
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What do you need to join this course?

These things are not included in the course price!

Computer

  • Laptop or desktop - a tablet might not be powerful enough - either PC or Mac
  • Mouse

3D printer

FDM 3D printer that works with filament and has direct drive, or you should have access to such a printer. Download a list of suitable 3D printers for textiles here!

filament dryer

Flexible filaments will need to be dried in order to achieve the best results. To start we recommend the SunLu S2 Dryer, so you can guide your filament from the dryer straight into the printer. It costs 40 euros or less.

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3D Printing Materials

For the base fabric we recommend Filaflex 82, so it is good to have some of that in house when you start the course, but we will give a full overview of materials suitable for textile printing during the course.

Software

You will need Rhino 8, which includes Grasshopper. You will install all necessary plugins during the class. If you do not know how to use Grasshopper, then please follow our course Grasshopper for Footwear first.

Time for homework

You will make all Grasshopper definitions in class, but the 3D printing will have to happen after, so you will need to calculate with the printing time as well. This is also why there is some time between the classes.

Meet your instructor:

Lorenzo is an absolute expert in parametric design and has been working with Footwearology for many years already, since he also teaches our online Rhino and Grasshopper courses. Currently he is the cofounder of Supermateria, a company based in Florence, born to combine design, additive manufacturing and other new technologies, in order to create tools to serve companies.

Footwearology is the only academy for footwear professionals. We enable you to gain the knowledge that will get you, and the companies you work for, ready to create and embrace a better future. All our courses take place online and/or in our LAB in Barcelona, Spain.

Besides teaching, we do research and consulting, focusing on redesigning the entire footwear supply chain by directly connecting technology suppliers, creatives and social media platforms.

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