How to Make a Color-Changing Lighted Faux Fur Scarf

Step 2 Plan light layout

Decide how many lights you want to install, and where you will put them. They may be concentrated at the ends of the scarf, or distributed along the whole length. If your fur has a texture or color pattern (such as the polka dots in the example shown), that can be used as a guide. Avoid putting lights too close to the edges, or you'll make it difficult to attach the lining. A minimum border of about 1" is recommended if you are handsewing the edges, or 2" for machine sewing.

In these directions, we assume that a battery voltage of 4.5V will be supplied to the scarf (from 3 AA cells), and that all of the lights are connected in parallel with no current limiting resistor. The battery pack will be mounted near one end of the scarf, where the weight is not particularly noticeable compared to the weight of the faux fur.

Other variations are possible, of course - you can mount your batteries near the middle of the scarf, or use a higher driving voltage (such as 9V) and split the lights into two groups that are wired in series.

Battery life will depend on the number of lights and the battery type. A pack of 3 AA cells will power 50 RGB LEDs for several hours.

Comments

[gregod43]

What about resistors? Or at least one resistor to restrict current? You may be able to get a more effective scarf with longer life if you try that out.

[enlighted]

For a single-color LED, yes, resistors are a good idea. However for the type with built-in color-changing, they work fine with a direct 4.5V power source. I have some pieces built by this technique that are several years old, and all the LEDs still work.