Electronic Textiles (eTextiles) and open source material has been entangled with "DIY" movements and hands on work to create new interactive interfaces. Studies have shown the potential these have to bring computational knowledge closer to new audiences. We address how eTextiles can approach a traditional textile art, specifically "Arpilleras" from Chile, to understand how each field contributes from a symbolic, material and technical perspective. Following participatory approach methods and STEAM guidelines to create an educational program, we observed how eTextiles can influence the creation of soft interactive interfaces that enhance the communicative character and cultural heritage of a craft, and the potential of their use in a pedagogical context by using a specially designed kit. Our study suggests that connecting technology with strong cultural identity craft, can help to reach new audiences, revitalize the traditional technique, and create new tools for expression and creativity.

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The development of novel textile materials capable of controlled interaction with the environment has contributed to the growth of smart textiles. Nevertheless, the ubiquitous integration of plastic and electronic components into textile structures will bring new challenges regarding the use of material resources and waste management. Focusing on this problem, the present work explores the use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based optical waveguides to create textile-based optical sensors. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the research was conducted by combining methods from textile design, material science, and photonics. CMC optical fiber and planar waveguide were compared in corresponding textile structures. We present the laboratory testing results of initial proof of concept samples of bio-based woven smart textiles demonstrating their touch, bending, and water optical sensing capabilities.

La artesanía desde su identidad basada en el hacer manual, el arte y la cultura, no siempre se ha visto relacionada con el mundo de las tecnologías. Sin embargo, los avances del último tiempo en desarrollo de materiales inteligentes y nuevas plataformas tecnológicas de código abierto han permitido el surgimiento de un nuevo concepto "Computational Craft" que alude justamente a esta unión virtuosa entre computación y tradición artesanal. La siguiente publicación aborda cómo los avances en la creación de textiles electrónicos pueden acercarse al mundo de las técnicas tradicionales, potenciando particularmente las características expresivas y comunicativas de la técnica chilena de la arpillera. Para ello, se expondrá el trabajo de investigación aplicada desarrollado por la autora en el marco del curso internacional Fabricademy: A new textile and technology academy.