No Sew Light-Up Cuff

45-60 min

Ages 8-13

What Will You Learn?

You’ll take your knowledge of circuits and use it to create a soft circuit with fabric. First, we’ create a light up wrist cuff, and then you’ll make and customize your own wearable!

This project is a sample from our Circuit Scouts Kit, available in the Maker Shed. There are also a guidebook and online educator’s curriculum available for free.

Make the Cuff

Use the template to guide you.

Step 1

Cut a piece of felt that is at least 2 inches wide and 6-10 inches long, depending on the size of your wrist.

On the right side, make two 1/2 inch vertical slits roughly 1/2 inch from the end of the felt to create tabs.
On the left side, cut two 1/2 horizontal slits roughly 1/2 inch from the edge.

Step 2

Attach the components with foam tape.

Attach the battery pack to the left side, slightly toward the top of the felt, as shown. (4a)
Attach the LED chip in the center. Make sure the white negative side is facing right and the red positive side is facing left. (4b)

Step 3

Complete the circuit.

Apply Maker Tape as shown, wrapping the negative side over and around the felt on the right side.
Add extra tape on the left side between the horizontal slits and on the right side on the back of the tabs to ensure a good connection. (Figures 4c, 4d)

Step 4

Complete the cuff.

Turn the switch to “On.” Wrap the cuff around your wrist. Place the right side over the left and slide the tabs into the slits to complete the circuit. (Figure 4e, 4f)
Decorate your cuff in any way you like! (Figure 4g)