The following standards are used by The eTextile Lounge for testing conductive thread samples: THREE RESISTANCE TESTS hand sewn 8” trace machine sewn top thread 8” trace machine sewn bottom thread 8” trace THREAD QUALITY fray and whisker ease of threading needle ease of sewing packaging RECOMMENDATIONS Listed according to conductivity, resistance, and quality. MANUFACTURER or RETAIL LISTING If […]

    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 […]

    Connecting the postive and negative terminals of the Maxbotix range finder to a Keystone Electronics Battery Holder.   more information on battery holder can be found on my 25 January 2013 blog post  

  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.  

  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!

    Detail of how I use conductive thread strung with crimping beads in the warp to insert and secure the thru hole quadrate LEDs.