The Open Source Basketry CAD Software (English Guide)

Design intricate Splint & Flat Reed baskets in 3D. Developed in Japan, the CraftBandMesh Series is a specialized CAD suite for weavers who need precision. It is 100% Free & Open Source Software.

⚠️ Yes, the Interface is in Japanese.

The software UI is currently Japanese-only. But don’t let that stop you. Math and Geometry are universal.

Watch this: Just by changing the numbers, the 3D model updates instantly. You don’t need to read Kanji to understand “Width” or “Height”—the visual feedback guides you.

The Parametric Engine in action. Change a number, see the result instantly.

5 Specialized Tools for Every Style

  1. CraftBandMesh (Standard) Best for: Market baskets, Basic vertical/horizontal weaving. Feature: Supports Oval, Circle, and Rectangular bases.
  2. CraftBandSquare45 (Bias Weave) Best for: Diagonal plaiting & Nordic-style baskets. Feature: Automatically calculates the difficult rim leveling for bias weaves.
  3. CraftBandKnot (Stone Plaiting) Best for: Four-strand knot weaving (Yotsudatami). Feature: Adjusts for material thickness and knot tightness.
  4. CraftBandSquare (Pattern) Best for: Straight plaiting (Ajiro) with patterns.
    Feature: Simulate complex color patterns and insert bands.
  5. CraftBandHexagon (Triaxial) Best for: Hexagonal weave (Mutsume) & Hana-ami. Feature: Perfect design control for 3-way triaxial weaving.

It Doesn’t Just Calculate. It Guides.

Stop drawing on graph paper. Stop guessing step-by-step procedures. The software generates detailed construction images with a single click. It’s like having a master weaver calculate the blueprint for you.

One-Click Instruction Generator. From 3D model to step-by-step guide.

Made by a Weaver, for Weavers.

This project was born from a personal need to calculate “Splints” accurately—not for teeth, but for art.

  • ✅ Zero Cost: Free to use forever.
  • ✅ Lightweight: Runs on any Windows PC.
  • ✅ Inch Support: Switch between mm and inches instantly.

Resources Section

(Note: These pages are in Japanese. Please use your browser’s auto-translate feature.)

1. Installation & Download (GitHub) This is the main setup guide. It contains links to our GitHub Release Page where you can download the latest binaries (ZIP files) for Windows.
👉👉 Go to Installation Guide

2. How to Register Custom Materials (Crucial) Learn how to define your own material sizes. Use this guide to register “Flat Reed”, “Cane”, or specific Inch sizes into the software.
🔗 Material Registration Guide

3. Software Series Overview A list of all 5 engines in the CraftBandMesh suite. Choose the right tool for your weaving structure.
🔗 View Series List

4. Data & File Formats Details about the save files (.cbmesh / .xml) and compatibility between versions.
🔗 About File Formats

5. User Guide & Terms General site policy and usage guidelines.
🔗 Site Usage Guide

CraftBandLabo Made in Japan. Connecting weavers across the world.