Color-Changing Woven

The thermochromic pigment is a really cool material to work with!

It can be so easy and responsive without an electricity tools.

Combine the idea of weaving, it can be a fun idea to start on a large project, such as a sculptural form or woking with a pcom project!

Step 1: Prepare Material

1. Thermochromic pigment

2. Felt Fabric / Paper

3. Acrylic paint / medium

4. Conductive thread

5. Painting tools

6. Sewing tools

Step 2: Mix Color and Test on Paper

In the beginning, you have to make sure what color pigment you use in order to mix visible color combination that shows the temperature responsive.

✰Remember! The color tends to change to lighter from the paint color.

✰The base color should be lighter than the pigment mix color.

< For example >

Here I mix red thermochromic pigment with yellow acrylic color ⟹ orange color paint.

After you paint on white surface, and let dry….

Step 3: How to Mix the Color With Pigment

1. Add some medium for acrylic color into a small container to mix your paint.

2. Add the Thermochromic pigment little by little and MIX WELL! At this step, you would be able to see colors.

3. If you don't like the few pigment color you have, you can add some fluid acrylic color to get the color you want.

and then

You are ready to test

Step 4: Color Combo Test

After you dry out (you may use a hairdryer with low temperature to dry it faster)...

Use your fingers to touch the area you painted and leave it for a while ⟹ send your body heat to see how it works.

You would see the area you touch changes the color from orange to a ligher color!!

Step 5: Paint Your Sheets

After you mix the color you like and make sure you test it to see the color changes....

You are ready to paint the fabric you want!

⟹ Here I have white felt, and I want to show some gradient. I just paint the first time evenly

( I found it is easier to use wider brushes, and I don't push the brush directly onto felt. I just gently touch the very top of the surface of each sheet. )

⟹ After you gently brush it evenly for the first time, you can brush one side for the 2nd time in order to get the gradient color

⟹ For a simple 2 color woven sheet, you need to at least prepare 2 different sheet of felt.

Step 6: After All Your Sheets Dry, Trimming Time!!

Make a simple grid line on the back, so you can trim it precisely!!

❉ This step is quite annoying, but it is very important point to make your woven piece look pretty !! ❉

Step 7: Start to Weave!

And sew all the 4 sides to close your piece!

Step 8: Test How the Color Change!

Using your hand to test might not show as fast as on paper, so it is a good idea to use hairdryer with high temperature!

Step 9: Or You Can... Start Your Imagination!

Combine with an Arduino project by using conductive thread to make a soft circuit.