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Crafted Communication

Knitting Espionage

Grace A. Halverson

I created my code using Processing. The code takes user input based on keys pressed and produces a knitting pattern that shows knit stitches as black squares and purl stitches as white squares in a grid format that is a normal visual layout in knitting patterns. The output is the Morse code equivalent of keys pressed. To be more universal, I used the international Morse Code. Dots are rendered as a single white and then black square and dashes are rendered as three consecutive white squares and then a black square. Spaces are single black squares. See the demo below.

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I then tested the knitting pattern to see what it would look like once crafted. Because knitting in code was meant to blend into a pattern, I decided to use a simple seed stitch (see left) to surround the coded message. Seed stitch is a common combination of knit and purl stitches that give the illusion of seeds. Considering the appearance of the dots and dashes, the seed stitch is a good way to conceal the code as part of an intentional pattern.

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“I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you'll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.”

― Neil Gaiman

Picture of the difference between seed stitch and the knitted code.

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Caron Simply Soft

Synthetic Fibers - Fuchsia | Weight 4 | Machine Washable

Border = 4 rows of seed stitch

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I crossed off each row upon completion to make it easier to keep track of my placement. The pattern was really straight forward and easy to follow.

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