Knitted Effect

[Simon]

The key trick to this method is to make a single 'link' in the knit pattern in Depth and Normal maps.

I drew a single link as a Lathe object, then mirror pasted it to make a symmetrical copy. Then I used Proxy Array with Offset A, Offset B, and Alternate to make staggered copies to compete the 3D knitted design.

These videos show the Array method in more detail:
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=4090
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=3790

Array.png (249.82 KiB) Viewed 1588 times

Then I used the Camera Panel and made screenshots of my pattern in Depth and Normal map modes.

Depth.png (544.61 KiB) Viewed 1588 times

Normal.png (523.48 KiB) Viewed 1588 times

I screenshot the pattern and opened it in a 2D paint program, and Cropped the design so it would tile correctly.

You can skip all the above steps and use this actual design if you like!

Grey1.png (82.22 KiB) Viewed 1588 times

Norm1.png (82.19 KiB) Viewed 1588 times

I loaded the grey pattern onto Diffuse and Specular maps on my object. And loaded the Normal map into the bump channel, making sure to select "Normal Map" on the object properties panel as we are using a blue/green normal map instead of a greyscale bumpmap.

I chose Spherical UV map on my model, and use the Texture Placement Panel to make the pattern repeat.

Knitted.png (639.21 KiB) Viewed 1588 times

[granada]

Great effect, look very realistic

Dave