Adafruit LED Sewing Kit
In 2009, I created an LED sewing kit to make it easy to get the supplies you need to add LEDs to a project using conductive thread. It later became an Adafruit kit that I earned royalties on from 2012-2016. This is the product documentation. Check out v3 of the LED Sewing Kit for upgraded battery holders and more colors.
Add LED accents to textile projects with Adafruit’s LED Sewing Kit! Stitch a glowing circuit with conductive thread– this kit comes with everything you need to get started:
- 1 bobbin of 2-ply conductive thread
- 2 x sewable CR2032 battery holders
- 2 x CR2032 batteries
- 4 x candle flicker LEDs – they twinkle automatically, no need for a microcontroller or external circuit!
- 4 x 5mm snaps to use as sewable switches
- Needle set
This kit comes with enough supplies to make two projects with two LEDs each, or one project with four LEDs. Great for embroidery and needlework, light-up jewelry and hair accessories, shoes, plush toys, and more. This is a great beginner kit for kids (no soldering!) and adults alike who are looking to get into soft circuits and wearable electronics.
Parts List
Check to make sure your kit comes with the following parts. Sometimes we make mistakes so double check everything and email support@adafruit.com if you need replacements!
| Name | Description | Qty |
| Stainless Thin Conductive Thread – 2 ply – 23 meter/76 ft | Check out the guide on conductive thread! | 1 |
| Sewable CR2032 Battery Holder | Convenient flat back with sewable tabs | 2 |
| LEDs! | Warm white candle flicker LEDs softly twinkle thanks to a chip inside. | 4 |
| CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery | Fits in the sewable holder. ~3V. | 2 |
| Sewable Snaps – 5mm | Strip of four snaps | 1 |
| Needle set – 3/9 sizes – 20 needles | Packet with multiple sizes | 1 |
Tools & Prep
Test that each LED works by pinning it onto one of the included coincell batteries. It will only light up one way so if it doesn’t at first, try flipping it around.
The candle flicker LEDs have a chip inside that causes the light to twinkle.
Notice the longer lead is on the positive side marked +
The LEDs pictured are wired in parallel with the 3V coincell. We recommend powering two LEDs with one battery, which is great for projects in pairs like shoes.
Read our conductive thread guide to get to know this quirky steel textile.
- Pliers help you shape the leads of the LEDs.
- You will need a good quality basic multimeter that can measure voltage and continuity.
- Heat shrink tubing insulates your circuit to prevent shorts.
- Sharp scissors are a must!
Project Ideas
