Knit Night Light
PROBLEMS:
-traditional plug in night lights stay on all night long
-light switches are too high for kids to reach
-electrical outlets and regular light bulbs aren’t kid friendly
OPPORTUNITIES
-give kids the choice to turn the light on when they need it!
-no plugs needed, off the grid!
-incorporating LED’s and textured yarn makes it kid friendly and fun!
Gather Your Materials
MATERIALS LIST
black mohair yarn
size US 2.5 knitting needles
plastic canvas
reflective fabric
white LED’s
conductive thread
coincell battery
pliers
needle + thread
Set Up
The basic circuit we are making is a switch using velcro, connected to white LED's, powered by a coin cell battery in a holder.
Knit the Triangles
With black mohair yarn and size US 2.5 knitting needles,
CO 20 sts
*knit 1 row k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before the end, k2tog, k1 knit 1 row knit 1 row*
Repeat these 4 rows unitl 4 stitches remain k2tog, k2tog bind off 2 sts
Make 6 triangles
Use ends to attach triangles together in a row
Cut It Out
Cut 8 triangles in the same shape from the plastic canvas
Cut 1 hexagon from the reflective fabric, in the shape of the joined triangles + 1/8” salvage and slit
Prep LED's
Using pliers, bend the leads on the LED's to make them easier to sew onto the plastic canvas
Plan It Out!
Prepare the Switch
Sew the fabric and velcro down to the 2 end triangles
Needle and Thread
Time to stitch the LED's to the plastic canvas using the conductive thread. Make sure to make good contact with each LED and ensure they are facing the same direction
Add Power and the Switch
Attach the ends of the conductive thread to the battery holder and add the battery. Then attach that same end to one side of the switch aka the velcro and the other end of the circuit to the other piece of velcro. Be sure to make lots of stitches into the velcro to increase contact!
Get It Together!
Once you're sure the components are all working (that velcro switch can be a little fussy!) sew together the layers of knit and fabric with the plastic canvas in between
Show It Off!
Turn off the lights, and if you swear you can hear footsteps or a monster breathing under your bed, grab your light and stick that velcro together to create light! Sleep tight