Abstract
In a previous Bridges paper, the author and Lana Holden presented a system for modeling the depiction of onedimensional
strands in three-dimensional space, applicable to knitting, crochet, weaving, and other forms of artistic
media depicting knots and other forms of interlacing strands. This system of Stranded Cellular Automata depends on
the idea of a one-dimensional grid of cells that evolves through a time dimension according to specified rules. This
paper starts an investigation of the complexity of the patterns produced by Stranded Cellular Automata, as measured
by the length of the maximum possible repeat for a given width of pattern. Upper and lower bounds are given for
special situations, although the general case remains open.
