Unit 2: Creating E-Textiles

In this unit, participants will learn the skills necessary to create e-textiles (circuits using conductive thread). Participants will begin with an icebreaker activity to get to know one another and build commonality. They will be introduced to different circuit types such as simple, series, and parallel circuits, and basic hand sewing skills such as threading a needle, basic stitch types, and tying a knot. At the end of the lesson, participants will reflect on what had been learned (circuitry and abstraction).

Participants will make a E-textile cuff bracelet using a template to familiarize themselves with sewable & expressive electronics, transference of circuitry knowledge, and tying expressive electronic to self-perception and how society views them in a reflective debrief.

Participants will design and make their own wearable patch using sewable electronics and information gathered during “First Impressions” activity about their likes, dislikes, and how each participant is seen. The lesson ends with a reflective debrief on what they learned and if they experienced feelings of self-efficacy.

Participants will apply all previous circuitry and sewing skills learned to design and make their own graduation cap. Lesson will begin with an identity activity for participants to think about their hopes and dreams they would like to accomplish in the next 5 – 10 years. Participants will visualize their hopes and dreams onto the grad cap and create an expressive design. Reflective debrief will follow discussing their plans for the future and that of fellow participants.