VELOSLUT PADS¶

5. E-textiles¶

## Research

This week, we were introduced to electronic textiles, exploring how fabric circuits and soft sensors can be embedded into materials to create interactive and responsive fabrics. The session introduced key concepts in the field, starting with the basics of electricity, circuits, and conductive materials. We learned how voltage, resistance, and current work together in a circuit and discussed various conductive materials like fabrics, threads, and inks, which are critical for creating flexible and soft circuits.

One of the most exciting parts of this week was experimenting with soft sensors. We explored both digital and analog sensors, learning how each operates and can be integrated into fabric-based projects. I particularly enjoyed learning about momentary and toggle switches, as well as pressure and stretch sensors. These sensors, made from conductive fabrics or threads, allow fabrics to detect physical interactions like bending or stretching, opening up endless creative possibilities.

In the practical portion of the course, we were tasked with replicating and programming an ATTINY microcontroller. This exercise involved programming a basic LED blink using Arduino and integrating it into a soft circuit. It was my first real hands-on experience with microcontrollers, and it helped me understand how code can bring fabric circuits to life. Additionally, I created one digital sensor and one analog sensor using materials and techniques of my choice, connecting them to LEDs to observe their functionality.

We were experimented with different connection techniques, and I found the idea of combining soft and hard elements, such as conductive threads with metal poppers, particularly useful in bridging fabric with electronic components. However thats not what i ended up with.

The project culminated in creating textile swatches embedded with the sensors and documenting the process through circuit schematics and Arduino code uploads. This week’s work attempted to strengthen my technical skills in fabricating soft circuits and understanding how to incorporate interactive elements into textile-based designs.

I wish I had a better understanding of e-textiles so that I could have completed my intended project for this week.

References & Inspiration¶

Process and workflow¶

PINCH TO GLOW¶

Tools¶

Sensor: Conductive paint (for pinch contact)
Output LED light
Base: Fake nails + nail glue
Circuit Path: conductive thread
Microcontroller: Arduino
Power Coin cell
Extras: Scrap fabric or wristband to hide Arduino & battery

Circuit¶

Glow Circuit

Code Example¶

int pinchPin = 2; // where nail input connects
int ledPin = 9;   // LED output pin

void setup() {
  pinMode(pinchPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  int pinch = digitalRead(pinchPin);
  if (pinch == HIGH) {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  } else {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  }
}