Cockatoo is a specialized Grasshopper plugin for Rhino that automates the generation of complex knitting patterns and machine instructions. This computational tool provides a robust framework for translating geometric data into actionable knitting instructions. It functions by processing NURBS surfaces and mesh geometries within the Rhino environment, allowing designers to map intricate patterns directly onto three-dimensional forms. By bridging the gap between digital modeling and textile production, it enables the creation of custom knit structures that would be difficult to define manually. The plugin includes specific components for pattern logic, ensuring that the resulting data is compatible with industrial knitting machines and fabrication workflows, streamlining the transition from design to physical output.

The download is a 6 MB file containing .ZIP files.

Users install the plugin into their Grasshopper environment to access a suite of specialized components. After importing or generating base surfaces, the workflow involves connecting the geometry to the plugin's core nodes to derive knitting paths. Designers can adjust parameters to control stitch density, pattern orientation, and machine-specific variables. The tool outputs data that can be refined through standard Grasshopper iteration, providing a parametric approach to textile design that maintains full associativity with the underlying geometric model.

This tool is essential for researchers, industrial designers, and fashion technologists working at the intersection of architecture and material science. It is particularly effective for projects involving bespoke textile facades, soft robotics, or custom fashion pieces where geometry-driven knitting is required. Professionals in digital fabrication and experimental architecture will find it invaluable for rapid prototyping and complex surface development. It integrates seamlessly into existing computational design pipelines, making it a powerful resource for anyone exploring the potential of automated, geometry-aware textile manufacturing.