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1. Overview
This section describes easily adding Surface Mount Leds to fabrics or using thread. For other very small leds types and style, you can check the SmallLeds page. This appraoch can also be used with other surface mount components (resistors for example) or to integrate thru-hole parts into a soft circuit as well.
2. Materials
3. Skills required
Basic Soldering
4. Instructions
The key is step two. Preparing your setup for soldering the bead onto the part. Use helpinbg hands and hold the Led (or other) on one side. Position the bead perfectly on the other side using a little piece of wire to hold it in place.
Get a few beads out
Place bead on one side
Solder should be shinny and even
Best placement of beads for stitching
Place bead on one side
5. Estimated Price
Each LED can cost between 0.25$ and 2.50$ (whites are the most expensive).
Crimping beads go for about 2$ a pack of 20.
6. Estimated Time
First round will take you about 5 mins per led, you could go down to 2 mins per led as you get better.
7. Possible Applications / Projects using this
Led Fabrics
Basic Hacks
8. Credits
Technic extensively inspired by the do-it-yourself wearable LED display by Leah Buckley.
Enhanced and modified by Grace Kim.