Never ever ever cut conductive thread or fabric above your wearable tech, soft circuit, or eTextile project. The hundred thousand conductive fibers you create will increase the likelyhood of short circuits resulting in your project not working. Fortunately I’ve found some methods to solve this all too frequent problem.  

  How to sew a Maxbotix Ultrasonic Ranger finder to your eTextile project using Mitsufuji thread and a size 4 Between handsewing needle. Use this method for adding sensors to your wearable computing projects such as this Haptic Cane for the Blind, Bats Have Feelings Too! SUPPLIES: Maxbotix Ultr-Sonic Range Finder from Maxbotix. Mitsufuji Conductive Thread – no longer available […]

    How to use conductive thread, conductive fabric and velostat make a DIY pressure sensor for eTextile, soft circuit, and wearable computing projects. conductive fabric and velostat from LessEMF     

    Why do I only sew thru the fabric once or twice when I am connecting hardware to a project? Why not sew thru multiple times? Well there is a time and a place for everything…. just watch and see.  

    Needle options for hand sewing with conductive thread on your wearable computing, soft circuit and eTextile projects. Select a hand sewing needle based upon the diameter of the conductive thread, connector hole in the electronic hardware, and the dimension of the needle’s eye.  

    How to thread a needle with conductive thread for your wearable tech and eTextile projects. Select the right needle, cut the tread at an angle, and how to use a needle threader will help you easily feed conductive thread thru the eye of a needle.  

    Select fabric for your first eTextile project based upon ease of sewing and stability for the electronic circuit. A medium weight broadcloth will help prevent short circuits resulting in a successful eTextile project.  

    The basic running stitch is an easy way to hand sew eTextile, soft circuits, and wearable computing projects. This video will share with you how to master this basic sewing method.  

  How to make sewable electronic sequins from thru hole LEDs, resistors, and other computer parts to craft eTextiles, soft circuits, and wearable computing projects.   How to Make LED Sequins –  English Transcript PDF    

    How to hand sew electronics, LEDs, and computer parts to fabric when crafting DIY eTextiles, soft circuits, and wearable computing projects. Do loop the conductive thread around the hardware connection multiple times, but for speed and ease don’t sew thru all the layers of the fabric.