Introduction: Machine Embroidery Covering Conductive Thread
A method of attaching conductive thread to fabric.
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Step 1:
Place your sewing machine on zig-zag or button hole setting.
Place conductive thread on the fashion side of the fabric, centering it under the needle.
Stitch over the conductive thread in your chosen design pattern.
Yes, you can cross over other stitching!
Step 2:
What the finished embroidery looks like on the fashion side and the back side of fabric.
I used a tear-away stabilizer on this sample.
Step 3: If You Want to Be a Perfectionist
Pull the top-stitching thread tails to the wrong side of the fabric.
Knot the top-stitch thread and the bobbin thread.
Clip the thread tails.
This step is a nice touch, but not necessary.
Step 4:
Test the circuits.
Step 5:
Finished samples.
On top, sample without stabilizer.
On the bottom, I used a tear-away stabilizer.
Either way works it just depends upon the fashion statement you want to make.
3 Comments
15 years ago on Introduction
Nicely done! It's also worth pointing out that there is a functional use of this technique, namely creating sewn 'coax cable'. Once the inner conductor is surrounded by the insulator thread, you can wrap that in a conductive thread shield. I expect it would act more as a 'leaky feeder' cable than be fully shielded, but at least it should help make electrical noise more manageable when needed.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Yes, when I need coax cable I use the Tubes of Conductiveness.
More difficult to make, but when I can't, or don't, want to sew the traces I make the TofC and tailor tack in place. You'll see the application in Bats Have Feelings Too...which I hope to post this weekend. Please stay tuned
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Have you quantified the impedance of your "coax cable" made from "Tubes of Conductiveness"?