Conductive Thread

So you’d like to dip your toe into e-textiles, but you’re not sure what this conductive thread is all about. Not a problem! It’s really not more difficult than other types of sewing, so with a quick tutorial you should be ready to get started.

What is Conductive Thread?

Conductive thread can carry current the same way that wires can, which means it can be used to create a circuit. This allows the user to sew a circuit together, creating flexible circuits that require no soldering. In some textile-based projects, this is the most practical tool to maintain the hang of the fabric. Educationally, it’s a very safe and unintimidating way to learn how to use embedded electronics.

Beyond our selection of conductive threads, there exists a staggering number of conductive materials. If it’s electrically conductive, and you can sew with, I encourage you to consider it a conductive thread. Some traditional embroidery threads have enough metal content to be conductive, and some wires are fine enough to sew with.

Specification:

Coin cell battery case

Materials: 2 squares of felt (smaller than the battery), 1 small square of fabric (larger than the battery) and the project to which the battery pack will be attached. Conductive fabric optional.

Using the conductive thread, sew one small square of felt down to your project, making lots of zig zags that are less than the width of the battery.

If you have conductive fabric, you can use a little patch of that instead of thread zig zags. Stitch conductive thread in the conductive fabric to go to the rest of the circuit.

The felt isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps the electrical contact by raising the conductive material, increasing the squeeze on the battery. The point is to make a nice place for the battery to make contact.

With a new trace of conductive thread (or a new piece of conductive fabric), sew the other piece of felt to the small square which will be the battery pouch in the same manner: try to make lots of space for electrical contact with your battery.

Align the two patches, and sew up 3 sides to create a pocket. This is easier on an embroidery hoop.

The tighter you sew the pocket, the better the electrical connections will be. Sometimes my battery packs act as buttons too — you have to push them to make the electricity flow.

More Application:

Used in many industries like

• Including Military
• Aerospace
• Aviation
• Medical
• Transportation

Reference:

http://kaytdek.trevorshp.com/projects/conductive/tutorial/tutorial.html

https://hackaday.com/2020/02/26/magnets-make-prototyping-e-textiles-a-snap/#more-400586

https://www.amazon.in/LilyPad-Conductive-Thread-Arduino-Wearables/dp/B01CAY55O4

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/sewing-with-conductive-thread