Simple Sewn Circuit

This is a great project to get students started on sewn circuits. I would recommend teaching students about paper circuits first and then move on to this project.

If you are new to sewn circuits or would like a helpful slideshow about sewn circuits see: here

What you will need in addition to the picture above:

1) Regular thread

2) Conductive Thread

3) Sewing Needle

*Note: You can laser cut felt really nice if you have one available.

Step 1: Step 1: Where to Put Your Light?

Choose the location of your LED and mark it with a pen.

Curl the legs of the LED.

Step 2: Step 2: Choose the Location of Your Battery and Map Your Route

Map the route of your positive and negative sewn threads. Note that you will sew in a criss-cross pattern other either side of the battery, ensuring that your threads don't cross and you short circuit.

Step 3: Step 3: Start Sewing!

With conductive thread sew from each red dot, ensuring that you are looping around the end of your LED leg 4-6 times before moving on to the battery pack, where you will cross-hatch each side of your battery connection.

*The battery pack is sewn on with regular thread after the conductive is in place. Remeber to terminate your ends after finishing the "+" and "-" sides of your circuit.

Step 4: Step 4: Sew Around the 'Pretty Felt Picture'

With regular thread sew around the pretty felt picture, sealing in the sewn circuit and leaving a gap for the battery to fit. Hold your battery in place with a paper clip. Cheapest battery pack ever.