Michael Auschauer

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Michael Auschauer is a leading figure in the intersection of computer science education and textile craft, best known as the creator of TurtleStitch (turtlestitch.org). His primary research areas include computational thinking, creative coding, and the historical connections between programming and handcraft. Auschauer’s major contribution is the development of TurtleStitch, a browser-based educational programming language descended from Snap! and Scratch that allows users to generate patterns for embroidery machines. This tool makes programming accessible to beginners—requiring no prior coding knowledge—while enabling the creation of novel, tangible embroidered artifacts. His most-cited work, "Programming Embroidery with TurtleStitch" (2019, 11 citations), and the follow-up "Code Crafting with TurtleStitch" (2019, 9 citations), demonstrate his impact in bridging digital fabrication and computing education. Notably, Auschauer’s workshops highlight how computer science originated in handcraft traditions like embroidery, tapestry, and weaving, reframing coding as a modern extension of ancient making practices. His work inspires students and researchers to see programming not just as screen-based logic, but as a creative, hands-on craft with deep historical roots.