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Conductive Thread - Waxed

Conductive Thread - Waxed

When sewing by hand, conductive thread frequently tangles into a knot.
Not only is this a nuisance, it slows down production.

When doing tailoring or couture sewing you quickly learn to wax your threads.
By waxing several strands of conductive thread before you begin your project you will reduce tangles,  lower your frustration levels and speedily finish your project.

Yes, this works like a charm with any type of thread.

 
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Step 1Gather your parts

Gather your parts

Conductive thread
Bees Wax
Iron
Piece of scrap paper
Needle

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10 comments
Dec 29, 2010. 11:05 AMStJohn says:
Hello my Beautifull Friend, Only one question.
What size conductive threads do you use with the different work shops posted on this site. You have for materials only conductive thread.
I am getting ready to invest in the threads and want to order the right sizes.
Here I go again there are two questions.
What is the name of the book you recomend for the electronics info.

Have a happy new year,
I hope you get a chance to come to Virginia some time.
I would to meet you, you send such wonderful energy.
With much respect and Love ,
Maria E.Cosimano-Kohl
Feb 23, 2010. 9:27 PMTechNerd1012 says:
Where would you get conductive thread from?(sorry if its a dumb question :P)
Feb 23, 2010. 4:28 PMSwitchGirl says:
I did a little research and found this information on silicone and thread:

Is it OK to use Silicone lubricant on thread?
by Bob at Superior Threads

Silicone is a chemical polymer lubricant that is sometimes used to make an uncooperative thread run better. Some spray it onto the thread and others thoroughly immerse the thread in a bucket of silicone and soak it overnight. If the thread requires full immersion and soaking, and you are using the right needle and made appropriate tension adjustments, I recommend finding another thread. That's too much silicone. As thread manufacturers, we asked our engineers, factories, machine experts, and fiber consultants regarding the use of silicone.

Q. Is the silicone used for thread lubricant water soluble?
A. Most is oil soluble and does not mix with water.
Q. Does silicone affect the colorfastness of the thread or fabric?
A. No. There is no evidence of silicone affecting colorfastness.
Q. Can silicone stain the fabric?
A. Yes. If you use enough silicone on the thread to penetrate the spool or cone, the excessive amount of silicone may discolor or stain the thread and fabric.
Q. Is it safe to use a small amount of silicone?
A. Probably. Just don't soak the thread in it.
Q. Will silicone spray hurt my machine.
A. An excessive amount may over-lubricate but a small amount should be OK.
Q. How about soaking the entire cone of thread in silicone?
A. No. Use a thread that does not require soaking.
Q. Is silicone safe?
A. A little is most likely OK. According to OSHA, silicone is defined as a hazardous substance. It is combustible. It can cause skin and respiratory tract irritation.



FROM: http://www.secretsof.com/content/3737


Feb 23, 2010. 4:17 PMSwitchGirl says:
Thank you for sharing this technique..very nice.  scoochmarooo - I've used Silicone, but never one that came right off the spool! ... fantastic!
Feb 23, 2010. 1:06 PMscoochmaroo says:
Neat.  I've done this with conductive thread, but was worried about conductivity.  I still don't trust my multimeter skills.
Have you tried this with Thread Heaven? 
In school, we used to rig up our sewing machines to auto-condition our threads as they came off the spool!  The Thread Heaven (which is silicone) works better for this, as the wax can get clumpy and messy.

Feb 23, 2010. 2:52 PMscoochmaroo says:
*giggle* <blush>
Feb 23, 2010. 2:05 PMseanroberts says:
It seems like this would also make its resistivity more constant. Is that the case? I was reading about conductive thread an their resistance seems to be patchy. The article said that because the actual conductive fibers can become separated and the resistance can jump to kilo or mega ohms. It seems like waxing the thread can force the fibers to stay in contact with one another better. Does this happen?

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Author:Lynne Bruning(Lynne Bruning)