e-Embroidery ​Workshop

Workshop | 2012

Embroidered LED circuit

The e-Embroidery Workshop was organized by my friend and colleague Ramyah Gowrishankar and me in March 2012 in Helsinki, Finland. The workshop took place at the Cable Factory as a part of Pixelache festival's educational program called Pixelversity. The workshop lasted one weekend and explored combining traditional embroidery with electronics. Nearly 20 people participated in the workshop, enthusiastically stitching yarns and experimenting with LEDs.

3D textile flower Fine embroidery Participants embroidering

Embroidering LED circuits

After a brief introduction, the participants stitched soft circuits embedded in embroidery patterns using conductive yarn and LEDs. No previous experience was required for joining the workshop, but some participants had a textile background, while others were more familiar with digital media and electronics. Rather than focusing on making advanced e-textile artefacts, the workshop aimed to create a shared space for exploration, exchange of ideas and resources.

Finished e-embroidery Finished e-embroidery Finished e-embroidery

Many participants brought their own materials to the workshop and experimented with new ideas, such as 3D embroidery, audio and even an earth battery. The embroidered creations were exhibited the Open Design, Crafts & Manufacturing demo-stalls at Arbis adult education centre during Camp Pixelache in May 2012.

See also:

Thank you!

Thank you to Andrew Gryf Paterson from Pixelversity for inviting us, Kässämartat who provided their experience of stitches, and TAUKO clothing brand, who provided recycled fabrics for the workshop.