Featuring: NTU Fuzzy Circuits - LED Wallet/Purse
A student studying Secondary Design and Technology Education at Nottingham Trent University designed a purse with built-in LED, fixing the age old issue of searching for bits of change in the dark.

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In quoting Buechley, The student was ‘aiming to attract more women and girls’, and to ‘inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers’. Aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils and therefore a simplified kit, the student aimed to find a way that students could use simple E-Textiles ideas in school, at a reasonable price.

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Front of two LED wallet/purses

Using conductive thread, the student was able to make the purse with little traditional circuitry, keeping the cost and bulk of the purse/wallet down to a minimum. Conductive thread is a relatively new tool for making products, and for items such as this purse/wallet it is ideal for retaining a sense of style along with functionality, rather than trying to hide an electrical circuit and wires inside the lining and making the product too bulky.

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Back of two LED wallet/purses

Parts required: Optional:
  • Zip (for purse/wallet opening).
  • Hook and Loop (hook and loop fastener) (for purse/wallet opening).
  • 100% polyester or other suitable fabric for sublimation printing.
  • Sublimation printing paper/or iron on transfer paper alternative.
Equipment required:
  • Sewing machine.
  • Sewing needles.
  • Fabric scissors.
  • Ruler.
  • Fabric marker.
  • Iron.
  • Sublimation printer.

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Student's LED wallet/purse showing the inside LED and conductive fabric.

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Student's LED wallet/purse showing the inside battery compartment and conductive fabric.

We liked the student's project as it looks great and is a lot of fun to make too. By combining electronics and circuitry with product design, e-textile manufacturing, and a bit of creativity, The student has made a solution to a simple problem that people have had for years, and ultimately a successful new product has to offer a solution...which they do in only 9 steps! If you want to have a go at making the purse/wallet yourself, you can follow his Instructables page by clicking HERE and following the simple steps. Do please send us your photos when you're finished too!

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