About
About Open Wet Spinning
Open Wet Spinning is an open-source hardware initiative developed by the Hybrid Body Lab, building on insights from our EcoThreads research. Our goal is to democratize the fabrication of biodegradable, functional threads for e-textile prototyping—making the process accessible to artists, makers, and researchers alike.
Project Origins
This project originated from our EcoThreads research project, which investigates how biodegradable materials can be spun into functional threads for electronic textile applications. We developed a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) desktop biofiber wet spinning machine that individuals with limited experience in material synthesizing can use to create functional (i.e., conductive and interactive) yarns. The design leverages an open-source DIY syringe pump, the wet spinning machine simplifies the process of creating biodegradable, functional yarns in continuous long strands.
Through our community workshops, we’ve engaged with makers, artists, and textile practitioners to develop sustainable e-textile practices. By sharing our designs, recipes, and learnings openly, we hope to broaden access to sustainable fabrication, foster innovation in biodegradable materials, and build a community around bio-based e-textile exploration.
What You’ll Find Here
This website serves as a comprehensive resource for the Open Wet Spinning community, featuring:
- Detailed machine usage documentation
- Step-by-step assembly guides
- A collection of recipes from Hybrid Body Lab researchers
- Community-contributed recipes and modifications
- Best practices and troubleshooting guides
Get Involved
We welcome contributions from the community! Whether you’re a researcher, maker, or just interested in sustainable e-textiles, there are many ways to get involved:
- Try our recipes and provide feedback
- Share your experiences and modifications
- Contribute to the documentation
- Report issues and suggest improvements
