Did you know you can use a laser cutter to engrave cloth?
Participants in the “Laser Engraving on Upcycled Denim” workshop at the Design Innovation Hub recently learned about the design process and then saw the laser engraving equipment in action.
In this two-hour workshop, students explored the user-friendly Vectornator application to design and create denim samples using the Design Innovation Hub’s state-of-the-art laser cutters. True to the DI approach, success often means learning from failures by evaluating results, troubleshooting and trying again.
For students’ specific projects, sampling was key to finding the right relationship of material, tool control and design.
Along with learning about the software and equipment, participants discussed the benefits of transforming and upcycling one of the most beloved, yet environmentally harmful, textile industry product: denim.
They were prompted to consider new ways to repurpose cloth and how the role of our personal choices and practices as consumers impact the textile economy.
This workshop will be offered again this semester, so check the for future workshop offerings.