5. E-textiles

Research

This week has been exciting as we began learning how to set up electrical circuits and explore their applications in fashion design. It was quite easy for me, especially since, as I mentioned before, I studied civil engineering, so I already have some background knowledge and general experience with electrical circuits. I also had some ideas about incorporating electricity and technology into fashion design, but I didn’t use them this week as they involve more advanced techniques. However, I might consider implementing them in the coming weeks as we progress.

### Introduction to Electronics

Interactive electronics rely on simple components such as:

1. Resistors

2. Capacitors

3. LEDs

4. Sensors

Introduction to Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronic platform used to build interactive projects. In this project, I used the Arduino Uno board.

References & Inspiration

This project was inspired by the concept of “chaos,” which I’ve previously used in some of my design collections. Here, chaos represents organized randomness. I tried to translate this visually through electronic circuits and irregular use of conductive materials within an interactive bracelet.

At the beginning, we learned about Arduino, exploring its functions and features, as well as the breadboard and its various applications. We also went over all the equipment we’ll be using, gaining a solid understanding of each component’s purpose and how it will contribute to our projects. I was inspired to create a unique idea—a light-up bracelet with a manual resistor. The bracelet is made from leftover denim fabric from last week’s laser cutting project, which helps minimize fabric waste and supports environmental sustainability.

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Tools

• Arduino UNO
• Arduino IDE

tools 2

• Jumper wires
• Arduino Uno board
• Resistors
• LEDs
• Breadboards
• Velostat
• Copper tape
• Old denim fabric
• Sewing machine

Process and workflow

The first circuit

Initially, I created a small, simple circuit to ensure that all the steps were correct. After that, I tested it using the Arduino application and wrote a code to turn the lights on and off. I then experimented with the circuit I had built to see how well it worked.

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the final circut & desgin

In the final circuit, as I mentioned earlier, I used leftover denim fabric and incorporated heat-conductive thread to create an electrical circuit. Additionally, I built a manual sensor and reinforced the threads with copper strands to enhance conductivity. Now, you’ll see the results!

Code Example

Board Setup:

Connect the Arduino board to the computer via USB.

Open the Arduino IDE.

Select the board type: Arduino Uno.

Select the correct port.

Upload the code to the board.

Use the three backticks to separate code.

// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
  pinMode(7, OUTPUT);
}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(7, HIGH);  // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(2500);                      // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(7, LOW);   // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);                      // wait for a second
}

}

Analog and Digital Sensors

Two types of sensors were created:

1. A basic digital sensor using a button.

2. An analog sensor using Velostat and copper tape.

Fabrication Steps:

• Cut two pieces of copper tape in a circular shape.

• Place a piece of Velostat in between.

• Sew wires or use conductive thread to connect.

• Measure the resistance using a multimeter.

Soft Circuit Development

I designed and tested a soft electronic circuit that can be easily integrated into a fabric piece. This circuit was created using conductive thread, a small LED light, and a coin cell battery holder. The components were carefully sewn onto a fabric sample, ensuring the design is wearable and flexible enough to move with the garment.

To maintain comfort during use, I avoided rigid materials and ensured that all components lay flat against the fabric. The final result was lightweight, unobtrusive, and functional. When pressing on the sensor area (made from conductive fabric or Velostat), the LED responds and lights up.

This experiment aligns with the concept of "controlled chaos" expressed in the project, allowing the textile to dynamically interact with its environment. It also serves as a prototype that can be further developed in the final collection designs.

Materials Used: - Conductive thread
- LED light
- Coin cell battery + holder
- Fabric sample (tulle or denim)
- Velostat (optional, for pressure sensing)

Test Results: The circuit worked well, lit up when pressed, and remained lightweight and flexible. It was successfully sewn onto the fabric and proved comfortable when worn on the body.

Reading Resistance with Arduino

The sensor was connected to an analog input pin (such as A0), and the Arduino was used to read the resistance values. These were then used to control an LED based on pressure.

Project Steps

1. Fabricate the sensor and attach it to the fabric.

2. Connect it to the Arduino and test the readings.

3. Turn the LED on/off in response to pressure.

4. Finalize the design by embedding the sensor into a bracelet.

Results