5. E-Textiles — Interactive Textile with Touch Sensor and Rhythm LED¶
Research¶
This project builds upon the Circular Fashion week’s laser-cut floral textile.
The goal was to create an interactive fabric surface that reacts to touch and rhythm, transforming static design into a living, illuminated pattern.
The flowers’ centers are embedded with LEDs controlled by a touch sensor and programmed to blink in sync with the 9/8 rhythm pattern of traditional Turkish music.
My husband, who is a teacher, supported me during this project by helping with circuit testing and code adjustments — turning this into a shared learning and creative process. 🌿
Tools & Components¶
- ATtiny85 microcontroller
- Arduino IDE
- 12 × Red LEDs
- 12 × 220Ω resistors
- Digital touch sensor module
- 3.7V 2600mAh Li-ion battery
- Adjustable voltage output charging module (5V input)
- Conductive wire, jumper cables, and soldering tools
- Laser-cut floral textile band
Prototyping¶
The circuit was first simulated on Wokwi.com to verify connections and rhythm timing before building the physical prototype.
This allowed me to safely test analog readings from the touch sensor and how LED brightness corresponded to rhythmic timing.
Process and Workflow¶
- Breadboard setup: ATtiny85, touch sensor, and LEDs connected for testing.
- Resistor layout: 12 resistors stitched under the knitted base.
- Wiring: Red and black wires organized into groups of three LEDs per floral segment.
- LED placement: Each flower petal contains a visible LED tip.
- Microcontroller connection: ATtiny85 and power regulator fixed on the textile back.
- Touch sensor integration: Placed between floral sections for easy interaction.
All LEDs were arranged in 4 blocks of 3 LEDs, blinking according to the 9/8 musical rhythm.
Results¶
Two Assembly Views¶
Microcontroller and Touch Sensor Mounted on the Textile¶
Video¶
References & Inspiration¶
Direct Links:
- Wokwi Simulation Project
- Turkish Music 9/8 Rhythm Example (YouTube)