Weaving: Straight Circuits With LEDs

Another project for the weavers and hopefully a source of inspiration for the non-weavers.
Yet another way to incorporate LED's, or other hardware, into your weaving project.

This type of weave structure has the positive and negative traces on both selvedges (both the left and right side of the fabric), giving you more options for connecting to the power source.

Want more eTextile How-To DIY eTextile videos, tutorials and projects?
Then visit The eTextile Lounge!

UPDATE -  My article on How to Weave the Starlight Table Runner is published in Nov/Dec 2012 issue of Handwoven Magazine.
online download from Handwoven website
and
How to Video on my website.

dress your loom
Solder crimping beads to LEDs
wind three bobbins
1. fiber (Pink Wool)
2. fiber + conductive thread (Neon Green)
3. contrasting fiber + conductive thread (Neon Pink)

weave a few rows of your pattern choice

Weave the negative trace - in my example this is the green fiber + conductive thread
Feed the LED on the conductive thread
Snug the knot on the conductive thread
Position the LED in the weave structure
Beat the warp, gently.
Finish weaving the row

Weave two rows, or the width of the LED, of plain fiber.
Begin the positive trace with the neon pink + conductive thread.

Weave the positive trace - in my example this is the pink fiber + conductive thread
Feed the LED on the conductive thread
Snug the knot on the conductive thread
Position the LED in the weave structure
Beat the warp, gently.
Finish weaving the row

Weave a couple of rows with the insulating fiber.
Repeat as needed.