Conductive thread · Add-on for the touch sleeve kit
Conductive thread for sewing touch pads and circuits
Stainless steel sewing thread that carries electricity. Sew it from each fabric touch pad, LED or sensor to your board instead of using wires. Stainless doesn't tarnish the way silver-plated thread can. One 35 ft spool covers a full sleeve build with room to spare.
Looking for plumbing thread sealant? This isn't it: this is textile thread for sewn electronics.
$27.99 per 35 ft spool · + $9.99 US shipping per order
- Stainless steel conductive sewing thread.
- For hand sewing touch pads, LEDs, battery holders and sensors.
- Building a whole sleeve? The touch sleeve kit ($129, free US shipping) includes thread, fabric and the touch board.
Buy conductive thread Order by phone: 725-338-4835
Secure checkout by Stripe. Ships after payment; we email tracking.
Sewing tips for conductive thread
- One line per connection. Each touch pad needs its own line to its own channel on the board.
- Never let lines touch. Where two must cross, sew one on the inside of the fabric or cover it with fabric glue or tape.
- Tie off tightly. Knot, then trim loose ends close; stray fibres can short a circuit.
- Make good contacts. Loop the thread several times through each board pin or snap.
- Test before you finish. Run the example code and touch every pad before sewing the last seam.
Full project: how to build a touch-sensitive fabric sleeve, or get the touch sleeve kit with thread, fabric and a 30-channel touch board.
Conductive thread projects
- A touch sleeve that controls music or sends keypresses.
- Light-up patches and costumes with sewable LEDs.
- Touchscreen glove tips, stitched through a conductive fabric patch.
Conductive thread FAQ
Can I use conductive thread in a sewing machine?
It's easiest by hand. Some makers use it in the bobbin with ordinary thread on top; test on scrap fabric first.
Is conductive sewing thread the same as conductive yarn?
No. Conductive yarn is thicker and made for knitting or weaving. Thread is for sewing circuits.
Is it washable?
Remove the electronics before washing. Stainless thread doesn't tarnish, but treat any wearable gently.
Do you ship outside the US?
Call 725-338-4835 and we'll email a quote with shipping before you pay.