Dress yourself in lights using Pebble Pixel LEDs and a Sparkle Motion Mini running WLED. This project is fairly easy if you've got some crafting skills: it requires a little bit of sewing, some soldering and some software installation and setup, but no coding is required. WLED has a fantastic library of animations and effects that can be customized to create your dream dress.
This LED skirt is built onto a slip that goes under your fancy dress, so it can be worn under multiple costumes and quickly programmed and controlled with any WiFi-enabled smartphone or device. Sleeping Beauty changing from blue to pink while you twirl? Katniss' fire dress? Rainbow Fairy Princess? All are possible, and rolled into just one project!
This skirt is controllable by any WiFi-enabled device. Sometimes you don't want to fumble around with your phone in order to set your skirt to a specific mode, and the easiest way to do this is via a button. This is optional, but nice to have.
You'll also need a USB C cable to plug the battery into the Sparkle Motion Mini. The one above works great, or if you'd like to have an inline power switch you can use a power switch tail instead. I like these because they're chunky enough that I can feel them through the skirt without having to unzip and feel around to turn my skirt on or off.
Just be sure you have the correct USB connectors on each end: you'll need a USB C to plug into the Sparkle Motion board, and a USB A or micro for the recommended battery. Or you can find a battery with a USB C port online.
I love these batteries since they'll also charge my phone: if I'm out an event and taking pictures all night I can still call my Uber to get home.
Tools Needed
- Flush diagonal cutters (perhaps my favorite tool in the whole world)
- Good Wire Strippers
- Alligator Clips for testing
- Soldering Iron & Accessories
- Hot Glue Gun
- Sewing machine or needle & thread
- Measuring tape
Materials Needed
- Pencil skirt or slim-fitting slip, or breathable fabric to make your own
- Fabric to make a battery pocket
- Crinoline or hoop skirt for diffusion
Page last edited February 03, 2025
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