Introduction: Conductive Thread Wind-up
Got some thread but too much resistance?
Got some wire that's too thin?
Need a special fashion look to complete your eTextile design?
In a pinch to finish some soft circuitry?
Simply wind-up your own conductive thread/wire with a flick of your wrist!
Want more eTextile How-To DIY eTextile videos, tutorials and projects?
Then visit The eTextile Lounge!
Got some wire that's too thin?
Need a special fashion look to complete your eTextile design?
In a pinch to finish some soft circuitry?
Simply wind-up your own conductive thread/wire with a flick of your wrist!
Want more eTextile How-To DIY eTextile videos, tutorials and projects?
Then visit The eTextile Lounge!
Step 1: Parts
Conductive Thread
Conductive Wire - I used Insulated Copper Wire from a former printer motor
Fringe Twister can be purchased or easily made.
Yarn
Steel wool
Multimeter
Two other cord making tools have just come to my awareness.
They can be found at one of my favorite suppliers, Textura.
Bradshaw Rope Maker
Leonardo Rope Machine
I have not used these tools, but would like to!
Conductive Wire - I used Insulated Copper Wire from a former printer motor
Fringe Twister can be purchased or easily made.
Yarn
Steel wool
Multimeter
Two other cord making tools have just come to my awareness.
They can be found at one of my favorite suppliers, Textura.
Bradshaw Rope Maker
Leonardo Rope Machine
I have not used these tools, but would like to!
Step 2: Stainless Steel Thread
Tie a knot at the end of each strand of thread. This helps the clamps secure threads.
Place one strand of 2-ply stainless steel thread in each clamp.
Tie loose ends together and anchor to a stable surface - tie to a door knob, vice grips or have someone hold it.
Turn the crank on the fringer until the desired length is reached.
Remove strands from the fringer and knot.
Test the new thread with a multimeter.
Depending on your material choice the new thread might have a higher/same/lower resistance.
Place one strand of 2-ply stainless steel thread in each clamp.
Tie loose ends together and anchor to a stable surface - tie to a door knob, vice grips or have someone hold it.
Turn the crank on the fringer until the desired length is reached.
Remove strands from the fringer and knot.
Test the new thread with a multimeter.
Depending on your material choice the new thread might have a higher/same/lower resistance.
Step 3: Insulated Copper Wire
For this example I harvested wire from a printer motor.
Gain access to the motor.
Unwind some of the insulated copper thread.
Place all four wires in one clamp. Wire is too smooth to twist together in the traditional method of fringe twisting, which is one wire per clamp.
At points of connection the insulation must be removed.
I used steel wool to abrade the insulation off the copper wire.
Test the new multi-ply wire twist with a multimeter.
Depending on your material choice the new twist might have a higher/same/lower resistance.
Pros for insulated multi-ply wire: insulated, free, re-purposed, can be soldered
Cons for insulated multi-ply wire: less flexible than thread, insulated
Gain access to the motor.
Unwind some of the insulated copper thread.
Place all four wires in one clamp. Wire is too smooth to twist together in the traditional method of fringe twisting, which is one wire per clamp.
At points of connection the insulation must be removed.
I used steel wool to abrade the insulation off the copper wire.
Test the new multi-ply wire twist with a multimeter.
Depending on your material choice the new twist might have a higher/same/lower resistance.
Pros for insulated multi-ply wire: insulated, free, re-purposed, can be soldered
Cons for insulated multi-ply wire: less flexible than thread, insulated
Step 4: FAIL!
Some things not to do....
Step 5: Options - the Experimental Candy Store
Many variations of color, texture, capacity and soldering ability are available when making your own conductive thread.
Experiment with everything possible to support your design theme, method of connecting circuits and end goal.
As always - test the new multi-ply thread/wire twist with a multimeter.
Depending on your material choice the new twist might have a higher/same/lower resistance.
Enjoy!
Experiment with everything possible to support your design theme, method of connecting circuits and end goal.
As always - test the new multi-ply thread/wire twist with a multimeter.
Depending on your material choice the new twist might have a higher/same/lower resistance.
Enjoy!
