Stroke Sensor Kit (2011)

Using conductive thread and neoprene to stitch a fabric stroke switch. While tedious to make, the basic construction of this sensor has a wonderful effect.

>> Stroke Sensor blog post
>> Instructable (coming soon….)
>> Flickr photo set
>> Download Instruction PDF

Here is an example of a basic circuit sewn with conductive thread that uses the stroke sensor to turn an LED light on when the conductive hairs in the sensor make contact.

Step-by-step instructions

Materials included and materials and tools you will need

Trace stencils

Cut out materials

Peel off paper backing from conductive fabric and fuse to neoprene with a medium hot iron

Thread needle with conductive thread and stitch into neoprene

Stitch into neoprene and trim with scissors

Stitch both sides

Add some hairs to the middle

When you stroke across the sensor, hairs from one side should touch those in the middle and these should touch the hairs on the other side

Switch to a non-conductive thread and fill up the rest of the space with non-conductive hairs

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