Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
sharps for embroidery, and multipurpose in between. You can
purchase a needle assortment for building wearable electronics;
just make sure that the eye (the fattest part) of the needle you
choose fits easily through the holes on the components of your
circuit. See
Chapter 4
for a primer on stitching.
Scissors
Keeping your scissors (
Figure 1-2
) sharp is very important! Con-
ductive thread and fabrics dull your scissors quickly because
they are made of metal. Large, heavy scissors can be great for
cutting out large pattern pieces or heavyweight materials, and
you'll also want a small, pointy pair for snipping loose threads.
Metal textiles can be tough on the blades; to keep them sharp
the longest, avoid using your good craft scissors to cut paper.
Get them professionally sharpened when their performance
starts to decline.
Figure 1-3.
Various scissors
Embroidery Hoop
For many wearable projects, stretching the fabric circuit sub-
strate taut during sewing can make the whole process much
easier and results in a more refined final project with clean,
unbunched lines. An embroidery hoop (
Figure 1-3
) is composed
of two nesting rings that sandwich the fabric between, and the
outer ring tightens to pinch the fabric, holding it taut. They are
available in many sizes. Our favorites are the plastic style with a
“grip lip” for added staying power.
Chapter 4
also covers
embroidery basics.
