# Twinkly Earwarmer Headband ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/223/medium800/led_strips_00-WireVersion2.jpg?1576875197) Nobody likes hat hair, but that's no reason to let your ears freeze! Earwarmers are the perfect compromise -- cute and warm, but plenty of room for your hair to breathe free. And by doubling the fabric to create a tube, you've got a handy place to hide a small battery holder -- enough to power a string of festive LEDs or stitch on some programmable NeoPixels! This super-simple project lets you dress up your winter wear three different ways: 1. Use basic embroidery stitches to add a string of LEDs on a lovely silver wire, no coding required! 2. Go a little fancier with color-changing NeoPixels controlled by a Gemma M0 programmed in easy-to-learn Microsoft MakeCode. 3. For a challenge, weave a little CircuitPython magic into the Gemma to tap into a secret temperature sensor that shows you the chill factor in colored NeoPixels. ## Parts List -- Non-Programmable Version The Wire Light LED Strand comes with a battery holder -- all you need to add are two CR2032 coin cell batteries. And they're easy to work with, because the wires are insulated and won't short out if they touch. They're even waterproof! I used the Cool White LEDs, but you can also get red, blue, green, and warm white. ![led_strips_PinkFaceHeadbandLights.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/225/medium640/led_strips_PinkFaceHeadbandLights.jpg?1576875273) ### CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery [CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/654) A perfect match for our [sew-able coin cell holder](http://www.adafruit.com/products/653). This non-rechargeable coin cell is CR2032 sized: 20mm diameter, 3.2mm thick. It has a nominal voltage output of 3V (although it starts a little high at 3.2V and slowly drifts down to 2.5V as... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/654) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/654/guides) ![Front shot of CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery upright.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/654-02.jpg) ## Parts List -- MakeCode and CircuitPython Versions The hardware is the same for both programmable versions. Just the code is different -- so you can even switch back and forth! And don't forget the batteries (above). ![led_strips_Me.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/227/medium640/led_strips_Me.jpg?1576876425) ### Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform [Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) The **Adafruit Gemma M0** is a super small microcontroller board, with just enough built-in to create many simple projects. It may look small and cute: round, about the size of a quarter, with friendly alligator-clip sew pads. But do not be fooled! The Gemma M0 is incredibly... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3501/guides) ![Pink polished fingers holding a Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/3501-05.jpg) ### Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4 [Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) What's a wearable project without LEDs? Our favorite part of the Flora platform is these tiny smart pixels. Designed specifically for wearables, these updated Flora NeoPixels have ultra-cool technology: these ultra-bright LEDs have a constant-current driver cooked right into the LED... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1260/guides) ![Overhead shot of four, black, round LED breakouts.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1260-09.jpg) ### 2 x CR2032 Coin Cell Battery Holder - 6V output - On/Off switch [2 x CR2032 Coin Cell Battery Holder - 6V output - On/Off switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/783) This tiny coin cell battery holder is ideal for small portable or wearable projects. It holds two 20mm coin cells (2032 or CR2032 are the most popular size) in series to generate 6V nominal. (If you want only 3V, we suggest sticking a crumpled piece of tin foil in one of the slots.) 20mm coin... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/783) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/783/guides) ![Angled shot of closed 2 x 2032 coin cell battery holder with on-off switch and JST PH Connector.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/783-03.jpg) ### Stainless Medium Conductive Thread - 3 ply - 18 meter/60 ft [Stainless Medium Conductive Thread - 3 ply - 18 meter/60 ft](https://www.adafruit.com/product/641) After months of searching, we finally have what we consider to be the ultimate conductive thread. It's thin, strong, smooth, and made completely of 316L stainless steel. Once you start working with this thread you'll quickly agree its optimal for any wearables work! This... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/641) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/641/guides) ![Small spool of conductive thread.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/641-05.jpg) ## Suggested Tools List Here are some recommended tools, but feel free to use what you have on hand. Standard crewel (embroidery) needles also work well with conductive thread. ### Super Scissors [Super Scissors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1599) Save your scissors! Instead of using your nice shears (and dulling them) or wire cutters (not right for the job) - use these super scissors. They're meant for engineering/maker cutting jobs such as cutting plastic, leather, copper sheet/wire, even coaxial & ribbon cables. There's a... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1599) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1599/guides) ![Very strong looking scissors with comfy grip](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1599-09.jpg) ### Needle set - 3/9 sizes - 20 needles [Needle set - 3/9 sizes - 20 needles](https://www.adafruit.com/product/615) Mighty needles, sew like the wind! This needle set is the only one you'll need for any sort of hand sewing, especially using our conductive thread and wearable electronics parts. Each pack contains 20 gold-eye sharps, with eye sizes ranging from #3 (1.75" long) to #9... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/615) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/615/guides) ![Small blue packaging containing 20 sewing needles.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/615-03.jpg) ## Suggested Materials List The construction of the earwarmer headband is the same for all three versions. Here's what you will need, in addition to the parts and tools listed above: - felt or fleece (in one or more colors) -- warm, soft, and easy to sew because they don't fray. The nice thick felt used for the examples in this guide was made by shrinking wool sweaters  (Instructions for felting sweaters can be found multiple places [online](https://www.instructables.com/id/Felting-Wool-Sweaters/) or in my book _[Fabric and Fiber Inventions](https://amzn.to/34yYzxH)_) - regular cotton or polyester thread -- use where you want stitches to be secure but not overly visible - embroidery floss -- great for decorative stitching that draws attention, and for covering up electronics - straight pins -- to hold the fabric together while you work - seam ripper -- for fixing mistakes ### Optional, depending on the version you'll be making: - tape (for holding the wire LEDs in place as you sew) - adhesive dots (tiny ones to hold the NeoPixels in place as you sew) - liquid seam sealant like Fray Check, or clear nail polish (for securing the conductive thread) - press-on fabric adhesive sheets, such as Peel n Stick Fabric Fuse (for attaching felt appliques over NeoPixels and conductive thread stitches)  - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/twinkly-ear-warmer/sew-the-earwarmer.md) ## Featured Products ### Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform [Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) The **Adafruit Gemma M0** is a super small microcontroller board, with just enough built-in to create many simple projects. It may look small and cute: round, about the size of a quarter, with friendly alligator-clip sew pads. But do not be fooled! The Gemma M0 is incredibly... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3501/guides) ### Wire Light LED Strand - 10 Cool White LEDs + Coin Cell Holder [Wire Light LED Strand - 10 Cool White LEDs + Coin Cell Holder](https://www.adafruit.com/product/894) Add sparkle to your project with these lovely silver wire LED strands. These strands are very interesting, they use two silver wires that are coated so they don't short if they touch, then tiny 1000mcd LEDs are bonded onto the wires and coated with epoxy. The result is a very flexible... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/894) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/894/guides) ### Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4 [Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) What's a wearable project without LEDs? Our favorite part of the Flora platform is these tiny smart pixels. Designed specifically for wearables, these updated Flora NeoPixels have ultra-cool technology: these ultra-bright LEDs have a constant-current driver cooked right into the LED... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1260/guides) ### 2 x CR2032 Coin Cell Battery Holder - 6V output - On/Off switch [2 x CR2032 Coin Cell Battery Holder - 6V output - On/Off switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/783) This tiny coin cell battery holder is ideal for small portable or wearable projects. It holds two 20mm coin cells (2032 or CR2032 are the most popular size) in series to generate 6V nominal. (If you want only 3V, we suggest sticking a crumpled piece of tin foil in one of the slots.) 20mm coin... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/783) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/783/guides) ### Stainless Medium Conductive Thread - 3 ply - 18 meter/60 ft [Stainless Medium Conductive Thread - 3 ply - 18 meter/60 ft](https://www.adafruit.com/product/641) After months of searching, we finally have what we consider to be the ultimate conductive thread. It's thin, strong, smooth, and made completely of 316L stainless steel. Once you start working with this thread you'll quickly agree its optimal for any wearables work! This... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/641) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/641/guides) ### CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery [CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/654) A perfect match for our [sew-able coin cell holder](http://www.adafruit.com/products/653). This non-rechargeable coin cell is CR2032 sized: 20mm diameter, 3.2mm thick. It has a nominal voltage output of 3V (although it starts a little high at 3.2V and slowly drifts down to 2.5V as... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/654) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/654/guides) ## Related Guides - [Light-Activated Pixel Heart](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-activated-pixel-heart.md) - [Annoy-O-Matic Sound Prank Device](https://learn.adafruit.com/annoy-o-matic-sound-prank-device.md) - [NeoPixels on Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixels-on-raspberry-pi.md) - [Blahaj Alarm and Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/blahaj-alarm.md) - [Heart Rate Badge](https://learn.adafruit.com/heart-rate-badge.md) - [The Foul Fowl -- Keystroke Injection Attack Tool with Gemma M0](https://learn.adafruit.com/the-foul-fowl-keyboard-injection-payload-gemma-m0.md) - [Using MPL3115A2 with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-mpl3115a2-with-circuitpython.md) - [NeoPixel LED Mickey Ears](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-led-mickey-ears.md) - [How to Choose a Microcontroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-choose-a-microcontroller.md) - [Trinket / Gemma Mini-Theremin](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-gemma-mini-theramin-music-maker.md) - [A NeoPixel Blinkendisc](https://learn.adafruit.com/a-neopixel-blinkendisc.md) - [Superhero Power Plant](https://learn.adafruit.com/superhero-power-plant.md) - [Washing Wearable Electronics](https://learn.adafruit.com/washing-wearable-electronics.md) - [NeoPixel Punk Collar](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-punk-collar.md) - [LED Ampli-Tie](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-ampli-tie.md)