Teesside Hackspace E-Textiles: Conductive Thread Christmas Crafts

Sew your own light-up Christmas stars and trees! Join Teesside Hackspace for a fun, hands-on workshop blending crafts with electronics. Join us at the Teesside Hackspace for a hands-on, creative workshop where traditional crafting meets modern electronics. In this session, you will learn the fascinating craft of 'e-textiles' (electronic textiles) by using conductive thread to sew simple, safe circuits directly into fabric. Whether you are a seasoned maker, a sewing enthusiast, or a complete beginner looking to try something new, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through creating your own illuminating Christmas star or tree ornament. What to Expect • Introduction to Soft Circuits: Learn the basics of e-textiles, how conductive thread works, and how to safely incorporate small LEDs and coin-cell batteries into your projects. • Design and Craft: Choose from a festive star or a classic Christmas tree design. We will have templates available, or you can draw your own! • Stitch Your Circuit: Instead of soldering wires, you will use needles and conductive thread to sew the electrical connections between your battery holder and LEDs. • Customise and Decorate: Personalise your ornament with different coloured felts, regular embroidery threads, and extra festive decorations. • Take It Home: Leave with a fully functional, light-up decoration ready to hang on your tree or give as a unique, handmade gift. Who Should Attend? This workshop is designed for beginners. No previous electronics, coding, or sewing experience is necessary! Our friendly Hackspace members will be on hand to help you thread your needles, plan your circuits, and troubleshoot any issues. Age Restriction: Due to the use of sharp needles and small electronic components like coin-cell batteries, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Materials and Cost We will provide the core materials on the day, including felt, conductive thread, LEDs, and batteries. If you have your own favourite sewing and crafting tools (such as fabric scissors, needles, or pins), please feel free to bring them along with you, but rest assured most things will be provided. To help cover the cost of these electronic components and to support the ongoing running of the Teesside Hackspace, we are running this event with a suggested donation of £5. We want the Hackspace to be accessible to everyone, so please just contribute what you comfortably can. Spaces are strictly limited to 12 people, so please secure your spot early!