Sew LEDs Into Your Project!
Intro: Sew LEDs Into Your Project!
It is really easy to include LEDs in your soft circuit project. For this I used a low-resistance conductive thread, from the lovely Lynne Bruning, some pliers, two sewing needles, and a bunch of green LEDs.
Begin by coiling the leads of your LEDs with pliers, remember that the cathode of your LED has a flat indent on it.
Sew two "rails" into your project - one for ground and one for positive. Embroider connection pads into your fabric, 3 or 4 stitches in the same place should be enough.
Pin your LEDs into place, and sew them onto your fabric. This is when it is important to use two needles at once, so you may continually test the circuit whilst it is being constructed. I use a 9V battery to test, because both connection points are on the same side, and I can just hold the battery to connection pads I sewed in when I started. You shouldn't use a 9V battery to power the circuit though, as you will burn out the LEDs.
That's it!
Begin by coiling the leads of your LEDs with pliers, remember that the cathode of your LED has a flat indent on it.
Sew two "rails" into your project - one for ground and one for positive. Embroider connection pads into your fabric, 3 or 4 stitches in the same place should be enough.
Pin your LEDs into place, and sew them onto your fabric. This is when it is important to use two needles at once, so you may continually test the circuit whilst it is being constructed. I use a 9V battery to test, because both connection points are on the same side, and I can just hold the battery to connection pads I sewed in when I started. You shouldn't use a 9V battery to power the circuit though, as you will burn out the LEDs.
That's it!
6 Comments
SaviorA 7 years ago
Hi there! Love your tutorial. But i'm having trouble finding a connection pad? What is that? Where can i buy one? I'd like to try my hand at this for a costume!
audreyobscura 7 years ago
You make a connection by coiling the LED lead.
the Make Club 8 years ago
if you disconnect the battery, then handwash, it might be okay.
Btw, you can use a 9V if you add a resistor in.
Also, I did a practice project just by stripping a wire (removing the outer plastic) and then with all the fine strands of wire inside I used 1 super thin piece as my "thread". Worked great! Not so durable though.
audreyobscura 10 years ago
togo1919 11 years ago
How do you 'wash' or 'clean' clothing with LEDs?
Thanks!
rrkrose 11 years ago