On Formal Descriptions for Knitting Recursive Patterns

We investigate relationships between knitting and formal systems. We show how formal languages, grammars, and algorithms give rise to powerful tools that can be used in both descriptive and prescriptive ways that have not yet been fully explored for designing, then knitting, complex patterns. In particular, we generate knitting meta charts, i.e. abstract schemes, which admit different knitting charts according to the knitting techniques chosen. We thus produce new intricate and recursive patterns which in our opinion also exhibit a sense of artistry and beauty.