Documenting the final numbers for resistance on ALL the conductive threads. ALL of them!

This years Valentine’s Day tutorial appears more complex than Stabby Valentine or the Hello Kitty Punchy Valentine, but thats just because of the  fancy French Knots! Look beyond the embroidery and you’ll find a basic LED circuit with some hidden gems on how to sew with conductive thread, mark traces, and hide the circuitry. In the end the Heart Pillow […]

  Conductive Threads from Silverell, Mitsifuji, and Bekaert Stainless Technologies.     Depending upon my project I will select a conductive thread based upon it’s resistance and application method. Silverell 234/34 has changed its manufacturing process resulting in the thread tarnishing causing in increase in resistance. I no longer recommend this thread. Mitsifuji is no longer producing conductive thread. Bekaert […]

    Comparison testing a variety of conductive threads available from ebay, etsy, and online retailers. Unfortunately, many of the the threads are not conductive and can not be used for eTextiles. I’ll start posting results next week.  

  From left to right Bamboo and Stainless, Silver taffeta, copper taffata, silver non-woven, velostat and bottom left silver lycra.   Alll from LessEMF in Albany, NY.

  When I receive a new ‘conductive thread’ I first test for continuity and then resistance.     Set your multimeter to the continuity setting, I prefer multimeters with an audible setting. Then place the two probes along the material to be tested. In general, if the multimeter makes a beeping sound then the material demonstrates continuity and will work […]

My special supply is one spool less.

The right tools help make the project a success: Aligator Clips, wire cutters, pliers, LEDs, battery holder, yarns, and crimping beads. More Information about weaving with conductive thread, LEDs, and battery power packs: The Starlight Table Runner in Handwoven Magazine November 2012. Clasped Weft Weaving with Conductive Thread and LEDs  in Weavezine May 2009. or search ‘weave’ on The eTextile Lounge!

  Threading a hand sewing needle with conductive thread can be an impossible task. The thread is too fat. The eye of the need to small. The thread frays and splits. And once you finally get the thread thru the eye of the needle you realize the needle is too large to fit thru the electronic hardware. Frustrating, yes? Try […]

While in NYC I picked up a few hooks, eyes and sewing supplies. From left to right: Jumbo Hook and Eye Size #11 Hook and Eye Size #7 Heavy Duty Hook and Eye Heavy Duty Hook and Eye Silver