LED Sewing Kit

Stitch a glowing circuit with conductive thread

by Becky Stern

published March 12, 2013, last edited March 12, 2013

posted in Adafruit Products Wearables

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Beginner

Project guide

Overview

Add LED accents to textile projects with Adafruit's LED Sewing Kit! Stitch a glowing circuit with conductive thread-- this kit comes with everything you need to get started:

1 bobbin of 2-ply conductive thread
2 x sewable CR2032 battery holders
2 x CR2032 batteries
4 x candle flicker LEDs - they twinkle automatically, no need for a microcontroller or external circuit!
4 x 5mm snaps to use as as sewable switches
Needle set

This kit comes with enough supplies to make two projects with two LEDs each, or one project with four LEDs. Great for embroidery and needlework, light-up jewelry and hair accessories, shoes, plush toys, and more. This is a great beginner kit for kids (no soldering!) and adults alike who are looking to get into soft circuits and wearable electronics.

Kelly and Risa assemble LED Sewing Kits at Adafruit after our hair bow photoshoot

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Parts List

Check to make sure your kit comes with the following parts. Sometimes we make mistakes so double check everything and email [email protected] if you need replacements!

Image Name Description Qty

Stainless Thin Conductive Thread - 2 ply - 23 meter/76 ft Check out our guide on conductive thread!
1

Sewable CR2032 Battery Holder Convenient flat back with sewable tabs
2

LEDs!
Warm white candle flicker LEDs softly twinkle thanks to a chip inside. 4

CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery Fits in the sewable holder. ~3V.
2

Sewable Snaps - 5mm
Strip of four snaps
1

Needle set - 3/9 sizes - 20 needles Packet with multiple sizes
1

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Tools & Prep

Test that each LED works by pinning it onto one of the included coincell batteries. It will only light up one way so if it doesn't at first, try flipping it around.

The candle flicker LEDs have a chip inside that causes the light to twinkle.

Notice the longer lead is on the positive side marked +

The LEDs pictured are wired in parallel with the 3V coincell. We recommend powering two LEDs with one battery, which is great for projects in pairs like shoes.

Read our conductive thread guide to get to know this quirky steel textile.