I’m sure you’ve all been at the point where you’re trying to decide what detail to model and what detail to leave out. Should I model the five layers of paneling, plate and paint flakes? Do I really need to show how the stitching on this knitted sweater vest tucks around my armpits? YES, and Cem Yuksel is making it possible with new software he is developing to create highly detailed, and pristinely parametric Stitch Meshes.
Stitch Meshes
Stitch mesh is a ‘yarn-based simulation technique’ to create highly detailed and realistic geometry of knitted garments. As you read through this quote and view the video, think about how it would apply to the typical CAD geometry creation and simulation, be it a covering or enclosure.
We propose a new modeling technique that builds yarn-level models of complex knitted garments for virtual characters. We start with a polygonal model that represents the large-scale surface of the knitted cloth. Using this mesh as an input, our interactive modeling tool produces a finer mesh representing the layout of stitches in the garment, which we call the stitch mesh.
Before you completely discount this level of detail, you’ve got to see the video below which shows how easy it is to create and how easy it is to change these stitch – Jaw dropping. While this level of detail may seem overkill in the typical CAD scenario, it’s the ability of programs like this to combine highly detailed geometry and physical simulation to bring about detail that’s so often needed in even a prismatic modeling scenario.
In most situations, we only consider detail necessary or unnecessary because of the time it takes to load, rebuild and create the geometry. Polygonal modeling is making details like stitch meshes possible. We’re still in a state of flux between detailed dimensions for polygon models and detailed geometry for solid models. We have in-between solutions in various CAD software, but nothing that combines both of these capabilities yet. Perhaps this will provide some inspiration. Here’s that video.

Source: Cem Yuksel
Thanks Adam!