Use beeswax to coat thread. Conductive thread is “hairy” which causes it to stick to itself and twist up. The wax will make it easier to handle and easier to thread through a needle.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
Waxed conductive thread on left, un-waxed conductive thread on right
Keep conductive thread to a manageable length. For these workshops, about a foot or arm’s length of conductive thread is enough for each connection.
When working with regular thread it is common practice to double the thread, but with conductive thread only a single strand is necessary. Think of conductive thread like a wire, the purpose is to conduct electricity rather than hold fabric together.
Double knot and trim conductive thread when finishing a stitch. If knots aren’t trimmed the tails can create a short circuit.
Keep work area clear. Conductive thread that has been trimmed may stick to your fabric and cause a short circuit.
Using regular (non-conductive) thread, stitch a small piece of felt over the conductive thread you need to cross. Use that piece of felt as a “bridge” when you begin stitching with conductive thread to the part of the circuit you need to reach.
Above image: A student’s felt bridge from Getting Hands On With Soft Circuits: Pom Poms at Marwen. The gold thread is non-conductive.
LEDs are light emitting diodes
Diodes have polarity meaning they only allow current to pass through them in one direction.
Use the following methods to identify LED polarity:
A common type of LED has two “legs” one short and one long. The short leg is negative and the long leg is positive. For these workshops we have coiled the legs to make the LEDs easier to sew (which in turn makes identifying polarity at a glance more difficult). In our tutorial images we have colored the positive coiled leg with red permanent marker.
How to coil LED legs from Jenna Boyles on Vimeo.
For some soft circuit projects you will find insulated wire is the more appropriate to use in place of conductive thread. Wire must be used for connections in the Metamorphic Color project for instance, to direct current from the battery to the proper part of the circuit. Conductive thread would heat up too quickly for the project because it is more resistant than wire.
A wire stripper is a tool used to strip plastic insulation off of wire without cutting the wire.
Make sure you stitch conductive thread to the proper pins. If you stitch your sensors to the output pins the circuit will not work.
Stitching the board in place with regular thread through the larger pin holes in each corner can be helpful before you begin stitching with conductive thread.
In the image below, the three visible knots stitched through a felt bridge are connected to input pins 2, 4, and GND. The knots of conductive thread connected to pins 1 and 3 are under the felt bridge.
Circuit isn’t working? It could be one of the following common issues.
A common mistake when new to stitching soft circuits is to stitch through a component with the same piece of thread as if sewing on a bead or button. This will not allow current to pass through the component because the current will take the path of least resistance - the stitches that pass under the component. When sewing on a component, always stitch a few times into the component, knot, and trim conductive thread before stitching the other end of the component in place with a new piece of conductive thread.
An LED is a diode, which means it will only allow electricity to flow in one direction (think of it like a pet door that only lets your pet out, but not in). Similarly, if the positive end of the LED is stitched to the negative end of the battery pack, current will not flow through the LED. If your LED is not lighting up ensure that it is correctly oriented with its polarity matching that of the battery.
Have you stitched to the proper pins on the AT42QT touch sensor? The conductive yarn and thread should be leading to the input pins, the LEDs are outputs.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fibemas.
Check to make sure there are no stray trimmings of conductive thread stuck to the back of your circuit (this can cause current to bypass the LED by creating a short circuit). Similarly, if you accidentally stitch through a component with the same piece of conductive thread (illustrated with the image of the button above) current will flow through the path of least resistance (the thread) and bypass the component. A loose knot could also be the issue. Always double knot when tying off conductive thread. Knots can be sealed with clear nail polish to keep from coming undone.
Conductive thread is a type of thread that is commonly used in crafting and DIY projects to create electronic circuits and interactive garments. In order to get the best results from your conductive thread, it is essential to keep certain guidelines in mind. Here are some tips for using and maintaining conductive thread:
1) Use the Right Type of Conductive Thread
Conductive thread is available in different types and thicknesses. It is important to choose the right type of conductive thread for your project. For instance, if you are working on a project that requires a lot of washing or flexibility, then it is best to use conductive thread that is designed for those conditions.
2) Prepare the Thread Before Use
Before using conductive thread, it is important to give it a bit of preparation. First, unravel and straighten the thread to prevent any tangles in the project. Then, gently pull the thread to stretch it out a bit, as this helps to remove any kinks or twists.
3) Use the Right Needles
Conductive thread is usually thicker than regular sewing thread, and therefore requires larger needles. When selecting a needle, choose one that is appropriate for the thickness of the conductive thread. Using a needle that is too small can cause the thread to break or split, while a needle that is too big can create too big of a hole in the fabric.
4) Secure the Ends
It is important to secure the ends of the conductive thread to prevent them from unraveling or coming loose. This can be done by tying a knot or using clear nail polish on the ends of the thread.
5) Avoid Cutting the Thread
Cutting conductive thread can break the circuit and render your project useless. Instead of cutting the thread, pull the thread to the desired length and tie it off.
Maintaining Conductive Thread
Proper maintenance of conductive thread can extend its lifespan and ensure that your project functions properly:
1) Avoid Excessive Tension
Avoid pulling on the conductive thread too hard as it can cause it to stretch or break. This is especially important when working with flexible or washable conductive thread.
2) Protect the Thread from Moisture
Exposure to moisture can damage conductive yarn reducing its conductivity and causing it to rust. To prevent this, keep your conductive thread dry and store it in an airtight container or bag.
3) Keep the Thread Separated
Avoid letting conductive thread touch or cross over itself, as this can create unwanted connections that can interfere with your circuit.
Conductive thread is a versatile and valuable material that allows us to integrate electronics and textiles. By following a few simple guidelines, you can use and maintain conductive thread to create lasting and effective projects.
Rondatex offers high conductive stainless steel thread and silver thread,they are widely used for touch gloves,antistatic garments and electronics.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Conductive Thread Supplier.