Etextile project ideas
A collection of resources published by Kitronik, bringing electrical circuits into textile based products.
- ALL
- Teacher guidance
- Activity sheet
Teacher guidance
Electro fashion: sewable LED kits
This booklet is aimed at KS3 teachers that want to offer wearable technology projects. It covers the following topics, conductive thread, LEDs and resistors, stitched circuits and press stud switches. Each of the tasks require little or no electronics experience. The information can be used to plan lessons or can be printed out as student handouts
Activity sheet
Back pack cover with light sensor
This project demonstrates how to use a light sensor cell holder and make a circuit using two PCB LEDs. The resource provides a step by step guide on how to make a bike backpack cover with LEDs inserted along one of the reflective stripes. It uses a cell holder which has a light sensor on it which means the LEDs automatically comes on when it is dark. The cell holder also has a switch on it and a small phototransistor sensor on the reverse of the board.
Be my valentine
This resource describes how to make two hearts which light up when placed next to each other. Each heart has a magnet switch and magnet hidden along the side edges and once they are lined up with each other, a circuit is created. A miniature cell holder is used along with a PCB LED that glows through the fabric. The cell holder can be accessed in order to change the battery via a small gap in the stitches on one of the sides of the heart.
Be seen, be safe
This resource describes how to make a safety armband or beltband.The projects use a basic e-textiles circuit, but a popper has been added into the circuit to create a switch. When the popper is open the circuit is broken and the LED will not light up. When the popper is closed the circuit is functional and the LED lights up.
Beanie hat with a standard and a PCB LED
This resource describes how to add an LED light to a beanie hat.It is an ideal starter project and uses a basic e-textiles circuit. Students will learn how to use conductive thread, a standard LED and a switched cell holder in order to place the light on the outside of the hat without cutting a hole. Step by step illustrated guidance is provided.
Flower power hair accessory
This resource provides step by step instructions on how to make a hair accessory which lights up. Photographs are provided for each stage to illustrate the techniques. A small circuit needs to be hidden at the back of the hair accessory, so a miniature cell holder is an ideal component for this project. The circuit has no switch and the battery has to be removed in order to switch the LED off.
Lazy daisy skirt with zip switch
This resource provides step by step instructions on how to make a hair accessory which lights up. Photographs are provided for each stage to illustrate the techniques. A small circuit needs to be hidden at the back of the hair accessory, so a miniature cell holder is an ideal component for this project. The circuit has no switch and the battery has to be removed in order to switch the LED off.
LED brooch with magnetic switch
This resource describes how to make a brooch which uses a magnetic switch to holds it in place on the garment to turn on the LED. The magnetic switch is stitched into one side of the circuit. When the magnet is attached to the switch this joins the circuit making the LED switch on. When the magnet is taken away this breaks the circuit switching the LED off. The brooch uses a yellow flashing LED as a centre piece for a flower.
Rudolph the Reindeer Christmas decoration with push switch on/off
This resource describes how to make a Rudolph christmas decoration using a PCB LED that sits under the fabric and lights up when you hold the switch hidden in his cheek. The decoration is made out of felt fabric and is lightly stuffed to give a 3D effect. It uses embroidery stitches to decorate the surface and to join the edges. The cell holder can be easily accessed via a hole in the chin area, held closed by a small popper. As the decoration is made from scratch, it does require some knowledge of basic textiles skills as well as a basic understanding of how to create a circuit.
