Sewing a LilyPad Button Circuit
Add a switch you can sew: a LilyPad button placed in the circuit lights your LED only while it's pressed. Same e-textile rules as before — + to + and - to -, no crossing lines — but now the button sits in the + line, so current flows only when you press it. A press-to-light patch for a bag, badge or costume.
Instructions
Plan the circuit with a button
Plan the circuit with a button
Arrange a LilyPad LED, a LilyPad button and a coin-cell battery holder on felt. The button goes in the + line, between the battery's + tab and the LED's + tab, so pressing it completes the circuit.
Materials for this step:
LilyPad LED - 5 pcs1 pack
LilyPad Button Board1 piece
LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder - 20mm1 piece
Wool Felt Sheet1 sheetSew the positive line through the button
Sew the positive line through the button
With conductive thread, stitch from the battery + tab to one tab of the button, then knot and cut; start fresh and stitch from the button's other tab to the LED + tab. Loop 3–4 times through each hole for firm contact and trim the tails short.
Materials for this step:
Conductive Thread - 60g (Stainless Steel)1 spool
Hand Sewing Needles (Assorted, 30-Pack)1 packSew the negative line
Sew the negative line
With a fresh thread, stitch the LED - tab straight to the battery - tab. Keep this line well away from the + line and the button — anywhere the two conductive paths touch, the circuit shorts.
Press to test
Press to test
Slot in a CR2032 (+ side up). Press the button — the LED lights; release — it goes out. If it stays dark, check that both button tabs are stitched into the line and that no threads are touching across the two sides.
Materials for this step:
CR2032 Coin Cell Battery1 pieceSecure and use
Secure and use
Seal each knot with a dab of clear nail polish or fabric glue so it can't loosen. Sew the felt onto a bag, badge or costume — you've made a press-to-light patch.
Materials
7- 1 pack$5.00
- 1 piece$3.00
- $5.00
- 1 sheetPlaceholder
- $40.00
- Placeholder
- 1 piecePlaceholder
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