Wearable Tech DIY Tutorials
Are you ready to embark on the journey of DIY wearables and FashionTech? Whether for costume, cosplay, nightlife, or festival wear: adding electronics to your clothing is an eye-catching form of self-expression.
I’ve put together my best tutorials for working with LEDs, soft circuits, fiber optics, and batteries for wearables. Stay tuned for more tutorials in wearables, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Stitchkit, Fiber Optics, and other DIY projects. We aim to make the tutorials easy-to-understand, and take away the complexity of unfamiliar tech terms and challenging techniques.
We’ve recently opened our own shop, where we sell products geared towards DIY enthusiasts with a focus on accessibility, affordability, and easy-to-use components.
Foundation
These tutorials will give you the basic overview of the tools, techniques, and best practices for getting started with wearable tech. Start here if you’re just getting to know the terminology.
IntroductionIntro to LED Lighting for WearablesAn overview of different types of LED lighting for wearable tech projects. |
IntroductionIntro to Fiber Optic Lighting for WearablesThe absolute beginner’s guide to getting started with fiber optic lighting for wearables. |
IntroductionChoosing Batteries for WearablesAn overview to the pros and cons of different types of power supply. |
Introduction4 Things to Know Before You StartReady to get started? Here’s four things to read up on before you go. |
Wearable Technology Techniques
Learn some of the commonly used techniques, as well as things to keep in mind for designing and handling the common challenges and components of FashionTech design.
TutorialMaking LEDs Sewable for WearablesLearn how to make a standard two-prong LED sewable for wearable tech. |
TechniqueBattery Placement for Fashion TechWays to conceal bulky tech and battery components. |
Other How-Tos and Projects
Learn how to do step-by-step projects for accessories, clothing, and costumes.
ProjectMake a Resin LED CrystalHow to use resin with LEDs for wearable tech projects. |
ProjectMake a Light Up PizzaMake an LED pizza pin (or any design you want). |
ProjectMake a Light Up FlowerMake a light up LED flower in this easy DIY project. |
Project25 Min LED SweaterSuper easy light up outfit: no soldering or coding required! |
ProjectLED Face MaskControlled by your phone and sound-responsive. |
Get our DIY Kit, starting at $16.50
We’re pleased to announce our DIY fashiontech kit is now available for purchase.
Shop Our StoreOur DIY Wearable Tech KitFlexible LED strand with controller kit designed for your wearable tech projects. |
About the Author: Chelsea Klukas
In 2013 I co-founded MakeFashion, where we coached and curated design and engineering teams to produce over 100 garments at over 80 shows. I’ve also designed my own projects, including the recently launched Lumen Couture LED fashion line. Through this experience I’ve picked up a few skills, plus how to work with suppliers for electronics that are durable, safe to wear, and easy to work with.
