Learn the basics of wearable electronics by creating simple sewable LED circuits. This lesson is perfect for beginners and can be adapted for all ages. No programming required!
Kit List
- Sewable LEDs (or regular LEDs with long leads)
- Coin cell battery (CR2032)
- Sewable battery holder
- Conductive thread
- Regular thread (for securing)
- Needles
- Scissors
- Fabric or felt to sew onto
- Fabric marker or chalk
Understanding the Circuit
A simple LED circuit needs:
- Power source - The coin cell battery provides the electricity
- LED - Converts electricity into light
- Conductive path - The conductive thread carries electricity from the battery to the LED
Important: LEDs have a positive (+) and negative (-) side. The positive side must connect to the positive side of the battery, and the negative to negative. If connected backwards, the LED won't light up!
Lesson Structure
Starter: Circuit Planning (10 mins)
- Draw your design on paper first
- Plan where the battery and LEDs will go
- Draw the path the conductive thread will take
- Remember: positive and negative paths must NOT cross!
Main Activity: Sewing the Circuit (30+ mins)
Step 1: Prepare your fabric
- Mark where the battery holder will go
- Mark where each LED will be placed
- Lightly draw the thread paths
Step 2: Sew the battery holder
- Use conductive thread
- Make 3-4 tight loops through each hole
- Leave long tails to continue the circuit
Step 3: Create the positive path
- Sew from the positive (+) side of battery holder to the positive side of your LED
- Keep stitches close together for good conductivity
- Tie off securely at the LED connection point
Step 4: Create the negative path
- Cut a new piece of conductive thread
- Sew from the negative (-) side of battery holder to the negative side of your LED
- Make sure paths don't cross!
Step 5: Test and troubleshoot
- Insert the battery (+ side up usually)
- If LED doesn't light, check connections and polarity
- Look for loose threads or crossed paths
Troubleshooting Tips
- LED not lighting? Check battery polarity and that it's making good contact
- Dim LED? Your conductive thread path may be too long or connections too loose
- Intermittent light? Secure all connection points with more loops
- Short circuit? Look for places where positive and negative threads touch
Extension Activities
- Add multiple LEDs in parallel
- Create a simple switch using a snap or button
- Design a wearable badge or patch
- Add LEDs to a hat or bag