How to make: A simple LED Soft Circuit
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
Test your battery and LED work by placing the battery on either side of the two legs of the LED.
Tip
The long leg is the positive and this needs to touch the shiny side of the battery
Prepare your LED by twisting the legs of the LED using pliers.
Tip
Turn the negative leg into a square and the positive leg into a circle, this will make it easier to identify.
You are ready to start sewing. Start from the negative side of the battery holder and loop it around 3 times.
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.
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
Now what? How about extending your design by adding a switch or more LEDs?
