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.

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

Electro-Fashion Parts

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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:

• E-Textiles: the Frequently Asked Questions.
• E-Textiles: a Lesson in Electro-Fashion Components.
• E-Textiles Tutorials & Resources.
• E-Textiles Gallery.
• A look behind the scenes of our Electro-Fashion range.

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