E-Textiles: an Introduction to Our Electro-Fashion Range
Amidst the hype surrounding wearable technology, we, too, have been deeply inspired by the craze. As a result, we have designed our own range of E-Textiles parts in a bid to help lessen the gap between Electronics and textiles: Electro-Fashion. Discover just how easy it is to conduct your own E-Textiles project using our Electro-Fashion range and be a part of this global infatuation with fashionable electronics.

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An E-Textiles project by Laura Cooper, a Design and Technology Education undergraduate at Nottingham Trent University.

Electro-Fashion Parts

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Electro-Fashion Starter Pack, Standard Cell Holder, parts

Electro-Fashion is Kitronik's own range of E-Textiles parts. With this range, makers can easily introduce LEDs to textiles projects. The system works by using conductive thread, which sews like normal thread but conducts electricity like wire. To light an LED, the conductive thread must be firmly attached to the LED, sewn through the fabric, and connected to a battery. Switches may also be introduced to the E-Textile circuit: LED(s) can be activated by the push of a button, a slide of a switch, a magnetic connection, a gentle tilt, or, even, as darkness is detected. We have developed a wide range of switches and LEDs so that makers have enough scope to explore and enjoy the possibilities of E-Textiles.

Tutorials

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A preview of our Sewable Rocket Key Ring Torch Tutorial

In addition to supplying the fundamental parts of any E-Textile project, we also offer a selection of online E-Textiles tutorials and resources with step-by-step guidance and cutting pattern templates. These resources cover how to introduce different LEDs and switches to E-Textiles circuits, from the generic slide and push switch to the more intricate metal poppers and zips that can be used to activate and deactivate LEDs.

Starter Kits

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Electro-Fashion Magnet Activated E-Textiles Kit

To make starting off with E-Textiles just that bit easier, we supply a variety of E-Textiles kits. Take our Electro-Fashion Cat Kit for instance, which includes all that you’d need (minus a needle and a pair of scissors) to make a felt, stuffed cat with LED eyes that illuminate as the cat’s right ear is squeezed. Whereas 80% of the items needed to complete the Electro-Fashion Cat are supplied in this kit, our other kits consist of solely component parts. We supply starter and deluxe packs that are backed up with E-Textiles resources. Our Magnet Activated E-Textiles Kit, for example, consists of conductive thread, the magnetic switch and magnet, a coin cell battery and holder, and two LEDs, and is accompanied by our E-Textiles resource: How to use the Magnetic Switch in an E-Textiles Circuit. We also supply component packs for customers looking to buy in bulk: Electro-Fashion Discovery Pack and Electro-Fashion 60 Student Bulk Pack.

Wondering where to start?

Why not choose one of the following step-by-step tutorials?

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How to Make a Sewable Rocket Key Ring Torch

 All of the Electro-Fashion components needed for this project are available in this pack: Electro-Fashion Deluxe E-Textiles Pack.

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How to Make a Light-up Collar for a Dog

All of the Electro-Fashion components needed for this project are available in these packs: Electro-Fashion Starter Pack, Standard Cell Holder and Electro-Fashion Starter Pack, Miniature Cell Holder. introduction_electro_fashion_blog_560_04

How to Use the Magnetic Switch in an E-Textile Circuit

 All of the Electro-Fashion components needed for this project are available in this pack: Electro-Fashion Magnet Activated E-Textiles Kit. introduction_electro_fashion_blog_560_05

How to Make a Light-up Ladybird Bag

All of the Electro-Fashion components needed for this project are available in this pack: Electro-Fashion, LED Flasher Module Kit. Find more here!

Useful links:

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6 comments

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Jane, It's not something we've ever done before but it's not outside the realms of possibility. Maybe at some point in the future.

Jane morgan

Jane morgan

Hi, I do dressmaking for myself and family and a thought came to me at Christmas about putting lights into my dresses.i have looked at your webpage which looks really interesting and inspiring so was wondering if you do any workshops for the the likes of me? I have looked at your online workshops but myself find it easier to learn with someone. Thank you

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Arla, We began developing and selling Electro-Fashion products as far back as 2011 but didn't register the trademark until early/mid 2013. We launched igloo at the beginning of December in 2015. I hope this helps.

Arla

Arla

Two questions: -when did you launch Electro-Fashion? -when did you launch 'Igloo'? Can't seem to find any dates from your web pages…

Emily Handley

Emily Handley

Hi Beth, thank you very much for getting in touch! Please email support@kitronik.co.uk with more details of the project to see if Aaron can help with this.

Beth Day

Beth Day

I am wanting to introduce & develop an e-textiles project to year 9s , incorporating into a bag. In the Switch Craft book (by Alison Lewis) there is an antenna bag where an LED flashes when a phone call is received & wifi hotspot indicator lap top bag….I am familiar with the switch LED circuits & but wonder if you have electronic parts that would fit this function? Many thanks. Beth Day

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