Stitch Graphs for Interactive Modeling of Non-Local Knit Topologies

Knitwear design requires precise, stitch-level editing, as individual loops dictate both the fabric's texture and its final 3D shape. While stitch meshes have enabled interactive modeling by representing knits as polygonal surfaces, many complex knitted structures feature intricate yarn paths that depart from a surface-like topology. To address this, we propose stitch graphs. By representing knitting operations as nodes in a graph, we leverage non-local connectivity to naturally model crossings and long-range connections. Our complete framework for modeling, simulation, and yarn visualization with stitch graphs enables real-time, interactive design of complex structures including volumetric cables, stacked tucks, and dimensional ribbing. We further introduce a unified editing tool that handles transfers, cables, and tucks through a single interaction model. We validate our method against representative patterns and physical samples, demonstrating that stitch graphs provide a robust and versatile foundation for interactive, swatch-level knit design.