How to make: A simple LED Soft Circuit

LED-badge-maker

Soft circuits use electrical components to embed technology into textiles. It’s a mash up of technology with traditional craft to create a functioning circuit. Creating soft circuits invites the learner to consider technology in a more creative context.

What we're learning

arrow_forward Electricity moves in a circuit from the negative to the positive side.

arrow_forward Electricity will only move through materials that are conductive.

arrow_forward LEDs and batteries have a positive and a negative side. This is called polarity.

arrow_forward When a negative and positive path touch it creates a short circuit, this means the circuit will not work.

Materials


Needle Nose Pliers

Assorted felt

Sewable battery holder

Cell Batteries

LEDs

Handstitching needles (check they pass through the hole of the battery holder)

Conductive Thread

Assorted cotton thread

Scissors

Lets do this

1

Test your battery and LED work by placing the battery on either side of the two legs of the LED.

part1

Tip

The long leg is the positive and this needs to touch the shiny side of the battery

2

Prepare your LED by twisting the legs of the LED using pliers.

part2

Tip

Turn the negative leg into a square and the positive leg into a circle, this will make it easier to identify.

3

You are ready to start sewing. Start from the negative side of the battery holder and loop it around 3 times.

part3

Then using a small running stitch connect with the negative side of the LED.

Loop the thread down through the fabric and back up through the hole 3 times to make it secure. Then knot off and trim any excess thread.

4

Now with a new piece of conductive thread start on the other side of the battery holder and repeat step 3.

Make sure to trim excess thread so that it does not create a short circuit

part4

Now what? How about extending your design by adding a switch or more LEDs?

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