5. E-TEXTILES

.. in progress

E-textiles ( short for electronic textiles ) are fabrics that have electronic components integrated directly into them. These materials can interact with their environment or users by sensing, processing, or even transmitting data.

Key Characteristics of E-Textiles:

• Embedded electronics: Components like sensors, LEDs, batteries, microcontrollers, or conductive threads are woven, printed, or sewn into the fabric.

• Interactivity: E-textiles can respond to inputs such as touch, temperature, motion, or sound.

• Flexibility: Unlike traditional electronics, they remain flexible and wearable.

• Applications: Used in fashion (light-up garments), sports (performance tracking), healthcare (biometric monitoring), and more.

Importance of E-Textiles

E-textiles (electronic textiles) mark a major step forward in wearable technology. Unlike rigid electronics, they are soft, flexible & unobtrusive — enabling seamless integration into everyday clothing. This opens up new possibilities for comfort, functionality & adoption across multiple fields.

Key Applications

Healthcare

Real-time monitoring of vital signs (e.g. heart rate, temperature, respiration) for patients & providers.

Sports & Fitness

Smart garments that track activity, performance & provide feedback to athletes.

Fashion & Design

Interactive clothing that lights up, reacts to touch, or changes color/environmentally.

Military & Safety

Monitoring stress levels or environmental hazards in uniforms & safety gear.

Entertainment

Enhanced experiences in gaming, VR, or performance art through responsive wearables.

Assignments

This week’s tasks included the following steps:

1. Create one digital soft switch & one analog soft sensor. Use additional resources as needed.

2. Connect the switch & the sensor to the Arduino. Upload a program that allows you to read the incoming values using the serial monitor. Use the provided sample code. a. Extension: Apply the map() function or other functions to obtain more meaningful data.

3. Connect the switch or sensor to the Arduino to control a LED or mini vibration motor on a breadboard.

4. Integrate the switch or sensor, as well as the swatch, using hard–soft connections.

REFERENCES & INSPIRATION

BELA

Bela builds powerful tools for sound & sensor interaction — from embeddable systems & Trill touch sensors to expressive instruments like the Gliss synth.

their blog showcases creative projects by artists & makers from around the world.

It helped me understand how others work with sensors & sound in expressive, experimental ways. Their platform (bela.io) offers a wide range of tools & resources — ideal for learning how to create interactive audio experiences.

Making music with e-textiles Nicola Woodham brings soft circuitry into her experimental music practice

KOBAKANT BLANKET https://blog.bela.io/kobakant-blanket/

Aural Fabric An interactive sound map made with conductive textiles

Making Music with Plantst Controlling Ableton and interactive visuals by touching plants

Suspended Circles Interactive hanging mobile with knitted sensors, Trill Craft and Bela

The Daïs A Haptically Enabled Electronic Instrument

SNOW SKY An ambient light-sensitive installation

KOBAKANT

"HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT" https://www.kobakant.at SMA SMOCKING SMA SMOCKING

ASSIGNMENT

For this project, I decided to divide the assignment into 3 main parts to better structure my process & documentation:

1. Digital / Software

• Concept development & research
• Designing 2D/3D models
• Creating circuit diagrams & programming (e.g. Arduino code)
• Simulations & digital prototyping

2. Hardware / Electronics

• Selecting & preparing components (e.g. Arduino, Lilypad, LEDs, sensors)
• Wiring & testing circuits
• Power supply considerations
• Integrating electronics into the project safely & efficiently

3. Textiles & Fabrication

• Choosing appropriate fabrics & materials
• Sewing, assembling, or layering textile elements
• Embedding electronics into the fabric
• Focusing on wearability, flexibility & design aesthetics

PROCESS & WORKFLOW

MATERIALS

Conductive & Shielding Fabrics

These are used for electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding in textile-based electronics:

• Silver Stretch Conductive Fabric
• Ripstop Silver Fabric
• Soft and Safe Shielding Fabric
• VeilShield
• SaniSilver
• Safety Silk

Pressure- & Resistance-Sensitive Textiles

Used in sensing applications like touch, bend, or pressure sensors:

• Velostat
• Eeontex

Conductive Materials (Non-Silver-Based)

These are metallic-based fabrics or composites, often used for making circuits or traces:

• Copper Conductive Fabric
• Pure Copper Polyester Taffeta

ESD & Insulative Materials

Typically used for static discharge protection or insulation:

• ESD Foam

Conductive Thread & Yarns

Silver-Based Threads & Yarns

Used for high conductivity and often skin-safe applications:

• Silverspun Yarn Soft, skin-friendly, ideal for wearable textiles. Elitex

• Silver-coated polyamide, good conductivity, flexible.

• Karl Grimm Renowned for fine silver-plated copper threads, often used in professional textile electronics.

Stainless Steel-Based Threads

Strong, resilient, and commonly used for capacitive touch or heating elements: Adafruit Stainless Steel Thread

• Blend of stainless steel fibers, robust for sewing circuits. Bekinox

• Stainless steel fiber yarn, durable and highly conductive.

Conductive Inks & Tapes:

Conductive Inks & Pens

Used for drawing circuits directly onto surfaces like paper or textiles:

• Bare Conductive Water-based, non-toxic conductive ink for paper & flexible surfaces.

• Circuit Scribe Rollerball conductive ink pen, ideal for education & quick prototyping.

• CuPro-Cote (Less EMF) Copper-based conductive paint; highly conductive, good for shielding.

Conductive Tapes & Sheets

Useful for assembling circuits without soldering; adheres to surfaces:

• Conductive Fabric Tape lexible, lightweight; ideal for textiles and wearables.

• Copper Tape Adhesive-backed copper strips, commonly used in paper circuits & shielding.

• Copper Foil Sheet Larger, flat copper surfaces; great for DIY PCBs or capacitive sensors.

ADROINO

arduino IDE work

Seeed XIAO RP2040 — Quick Guide

You Need: - Arduino IDE 2.x - USB-C cable (data-capable) - Seeed XIAO RP2040

Step-by-Step

Install Arduino IDE

→ Download from arduino.cc Add Seeed RP2040 Board Package Open Tools › Board › Boards Manager… Search “Seeed RP2040” → click Install

Then select:

Tools › Board › Seeed XIAO RP2040 Connect Your XIAO Plug in via USB-C In Tools › Port, select the new COM/USB port If the Port Doesn’t Appear Press BOOT button twice quickly A drive called RPI-RP2 appears → means bootloader mode

• Try upload again

• Upload Test Code

• const int LED_PIN = D2;

void setup() { pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT); } void loop() { digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH); delay(500); digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW); delay(500); } Click → Upload Success!

The LED blinks — your XIAO is programmed

Power Options USB-C (default) 3.7 V LiPo via JST connector 5 V on 5V pin (e.g. 3×AA batteries)

How to Wire and Program a Button

FABRIC BOTTOM

EMBROIDERY

ARISTARCO CORTES 100 x 100 mm that is the size of the working table of our embroidery machine.

How to Use Inkscape & Ink/Stitch to Design Custom Embroidery Part 1- Project Anonymous

PNG - SVC - PES

step-by-step: EMBROIDERY

Inkscape + Ink/Stitch + BROTHER NS1850L

1. Install & set up

Install Inkscape (v1.2 or later). Install Ink/Stitch Download the Ink/Stitch package. Launch Inkscape → confirm Extensions › Ink/Stitch appears. If not, follow the installer’s readme & restart Inkscape.

2. Document & hoop setup

In Inkscape: File › Document Properties Units: mm. Page size = your hoop size (e.g., 100×100 mm for 4×4).

3. Create or import artwork

Option A — Draw vectors - Use Pen/Bezier, Circle, Rectangle to draw shapes as vectors. - Prefer strokes only (no fill) while designing; Ink/Stitch uses paths.

Option B — Trace a bitmap (PNG/JPG) File › Import, select the image. - Select it → Path › Trace Bitmap (Brightness cutoff or Multiple scans). - Keep the vector result, delete the bitmap. - Clean up: Path › Simplify (Ctrl+L) sparingly; Path › Combine/Union as needed.

4. Assign stitch types (Ink/Stitch Parameters)

Select a path → Extensions › Ink/Stitch › Params… Choose a stitch type & settings: Running Stitch (outlines, redwork): “# of runs” (2–3 for bolder line), Max stitch length ~3–4 mm.

5. Simulate & validate

Extensions › Ink/Stitch › Visualize & Export › Simulator Play through the stitch sequence; check density, jumps, order.

6. Export the embroidery file (PES)

Select only the design (not the hoop guide). Extensions › Ink/Stitch › Visualize & Export › Embroidery. - Choose Brother PES/PEC format. Pick a thread palette (Brother or general). Save (e.g., design.pes).

7. Transfer to the machine

Copy the .pes to a USB drive. Insert USB into the BROTHER NS1850L. On the machine, open the USB menu & select your design. Confirm size fits the hoop (100×100) & if: color sequence.

8. Fabric & stabilizer

Stabilizer choice - Cut-Away for knits/stretchy garments. - Tear-Away for stable woven fabrics. - Water-Soluble for lace/appliqué or as topping on high-pile fabrics. - Hooping: Fabric + stabilizer smooth and flat (not overstretched). - Light spray adhesive if needed (outside the machine).

9. Machine setup & stitching

Needle: 75/11 embroidery; heavy fabric: 80/12. Thread: 40 wt embroidery top thread; bobbin thread ~60–90 wt. Thread the machine (top & bobbin) correctly; check tension. Position design (center/rotate if needed). Start at moderate speed (e.g., 600–700 spm).

10. Quick troubleshooting

• Puckering: reduce density (e.g., Satin 0.45–0.50 mm), add underlay, stronger stabilizer, don’t over-hoop.
• Thread loops/breaks: re-thread, new needle, adjust tension slightly, slow down.
• Jagged curves: refine vector (more nodes), or Path › Simplify carefully.
• Too many jumps: merge paths, enable trims, improve stitch order.

Pre-export checklist

• All objects are vectors (paths).
• Appropriate stitch types set; underlay / density / angles tuned.
• Design fits your hoop size.
• Simulation runs clean (order, jumps, density).
• Saved as .PES and copied to USB.

BACK TO THE CIRCCUIT (wiring)

FINAL CODE: Birthday Cat

Button + LED + Buzzer

Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 It includes: - Button → start/stop toggle - LED - Buzzer → plays Happy Birthday melody - Keeps looping until you press the button again

/*
  Project: Happy Birthday Button LED Buzzer
  Board: Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040
  Author: [Laura Muth]
  Description:
    - Press button to start or stop the Happy Birthday melody.
    - LED blinks in rhythm with the song.
    - Buzzer plays the tune.
    - Works with passive buzzer, one LED, & one push button.

  Wiring:
    D0 -> Buzzer (-) -> GND
    D2 -> LED -> 220Ω resistor -> GND
    D4 -> Button -> GND
    Power via USB or 3.7V LiPo (JST connector)
*/

// --- Pin setup ---
const int BUZ_PIN = D0;   // buzzer + to D3, - to GND
const int LED_PIN = D2;   // LED + resistor to GND
const int BTN_PIN = D4;   // Button connected to GND

// --- Song: Happy Birthday ---
int melody[] = {
  262, 262, 294, 262, 349, 330,   // Happy birthday to you
  262, 262, 294, 262, 392, 349,   // Happy birthday to you
  262, 262, 523, 440, 349, 330, 294, // Happy birthday dear 
  466, 466, 440, 349, 392, 349    // Happy birthday to you
};

int noteDurations[] = {
  4,4,2,2,2,1,
  4,4,2,2,2,1,
  4,4,2,2,2,2,1,
  4,4,2,2,2,1
};

bool playing = false;
bool lastState = HIGH;

void setup() {
  pinMode(BTN_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BUZ_PIN, OUTPUT);
}

bool buttonPressed() {
  bool current = digitalRead(BTN_PIN);
  static unsigned long lastDebounce = 0;
  if (current != lastState) lastDebounce = millis();
  if ((millis() - lastDebounce) > 50 && lastState == HIGH && current == LOW) {
    lastState = current;
    return true;
  }
  lastState = current;
  return false;
}

void playSong() {
  for (int i = 0; i < 26; i++) {
    int duration = 1000 / noteDurations[i];
    tone(BUZ_PIN, melody[i], duration);
    digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);
    delay(duration * 1.3);
    digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);
  }
}

void loop() {
  if (buttonPressed()) {
    playing = !playing;
    if (!playing) {
      noTone(BUZ_PIN);
      digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);
    }
  }

  if (playing) {
    playSong();
  }
}

SUMMARY

Components

Component	Pin on XIAO	Notes
Buzzer (+)	D0	Passive buzzer; GND to negative leg
LED (+)	D2	Use a 220 Ω resistor between LED & GND
Button	D4 → GND	Internal pull-up enabled (INPUT_PULLUP)
Battery	JST connector or 3.7 V to 3V3 pin	Automatic charging via USB
GND	Shared	All grounds connected together

Wiring Summary (Text Description)

• Buzzer Positive (+) → D0 Negative (–) → GND Use a passive buzzer (not active tone module)
• LED Anode (+) → D2 Cathode (–) → 220 Ω resistor → GND
• Button One side → D4 Other side → GND Uses internal pull-up resistor — stays HIGH until pressed → LOW
• Battery Plug your 3.7 V LiPo into the white JST port on the XIAO The XIAO handles USB charging automatically All GND connections are shared.

How It Works

When the button is pressed, the microcontroller detects a LOW signal. It toggles between PLAY & STOP mode. While playing: The buzzer plays the Happy Birthday melody. The LED blinks in sync with the notes. Press again → stops playback & turns off LED.

Power Options

Power Source	How to Connect	Notes
USB-C	Directly via computer or adapter	Also charges the LiPo
LiPo (3.7 V)	Plug into JST-PH port	Safest and portable
External 5 V	Connect to 5V pin	e.g., 3×AA battery pack