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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →LilyPad Arduino projects are wearable electronics you can stitch into fabric with conductive thread. You can start with a simple light-up craft that needs no programming, or use a LilyPad controller and Arduino software for sensor-driven, interactive behavior. The video below is historical inspiration; its components are not necessarily currently available.
Watch: LilyPad Arduino project inspiration
The 2014 video LilyPad or How to Sew an Arduino introduces a range of sewable components, including controllers, LEDs, a button, an accelerometer, a vibration motor, a buzzer, a light sensor, a thermometer, battery connectors and conductive thread. Treat it as a look at the platform and project possibilities at the time, not a current product catalog.
What can you make with LilyPad Arduino?
LilyPad is a sewable electronics platform for wearable and e-textile projects. Its rounded components have conductive sew tabs, which let you stitch circuit connections directly onto fabric. Projects can use light, sound or sensors. Arduino’s 2007 announcement credits Leah Buechley and SparkFun with creating the wearable/e-textile technology: Arduino’s LilyPad announcement.
Beginner project ideas
SparkFun’s kit guide lists four guided starter ideas: a glowing pin, an illuminated mask, a light-up plush and a night-light pennant using LilyMini. These are examples from the supplier’s guide; the cited material does not provide enough detail to treat them as verified build instructions. See SparkFun’s LilyPad kit project guide.
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#1 Best Overall
- Discover E-Sewing: Learn how to sew circuits with conductive thread to light up LEDs and control them using buttons, switches, and ambient light sensors. Ideal for beginners exploring e-textiles and wearable tech.
- Complete Kit for Projects: Includes LilyPad USB board, LEDs, buttons, sensors, conductive thread, and colorful felt sheets to create interactive, tech-infused fabric projects like glowing dolls or light-up plush.
- Easy-to-Follow Guide: The full-color guide provides step-by-step instructions for 5 fun projects, from glowing pins to music buzzers. Simple diagrams and troubleshooting tips ensure success for every user.
- Interactive Projects: Experiment with circuits before sewing them into your creations. Projects include light-reactive circuits and engaging wearable tech ideas for creative learning.
- For All Skill Levels: Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this kit encourages creativity and innovation by blending sewing and electronics into exciting DIY e-textile projects.
Interactive garment projects
With a programmable LilyPad controller, you can build projects that respond to a button or sensor, or add sound or vibration. Choose components and plan the circuit around the behavior you want rather than assuming every LilyPad project needs a controller.
How a LilyPad circuit works
A basic project brings together three elements: a power source, conductive paths stitched with conductive thread, and LilyPad components that perform the desired function. A simple e-sewing circuit can introduce conductive-thread sewing without programming. For programmed behavior, use a compatible LilyPad controller with Arduino software. SparkFun’s overview explains these approaches: LilyPad basics and e-sewing.
Rank #2
- The Sewable Electronics Kit for Arduino LilyPad lets you explore the wonderful world of electronic sewing (e-sewing) and e-textiles through a series of introductory projects using the LilyPad system.
- You’ll learn how to sew basic circuits to light up LEDs, control them with buttons and switches and even make experiment with a LilyPad circuit that reacts to ambient light levels.
- In addition to LilyPad LEDs, the kit comes with a LilyPad USB board that let you explore the circuit before you sew the pieces into a project. Each LilyPad component was creatively constructed with large sew tabs to allow for stitching into clothing. Various input, output, power and sensor boards are available.
- The full-color LilyPad Sewable Electronics Kit Guide on our website contains step-by-step instructions for using LilyPad pieces to create four complete sewable circuit projects with conductive thread. Easy-to-follow diagrams and troubleshooting tips make this a great introductory resource for crafters and creatives.
- This starter learning kit includes conductive thread bobbin (10m) and different color felt sheet(27*20.5cm), you could use it to make some small interesting doll as your designing.
Choose the project approach and materials
Before buying components, decide whether the project needs programmed behavior, which board version it will use, and what power and sewing supplies that board requires. Common power approaches include a 3V CR2032 coin cell and a 3.7V lithium-polymer battery; suitability depends on the project and board. Check the exact board’s requirements rather than assuming the batteries are interchangeable.
| Project approach | What it involves | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Simple e-sewing | Power, stitched conductive paths and components such as LEDs; can be done without programming. | Power compatibility and whether the circuit’s components meet the project’s needs. |
| Programmable project | A compatible LilyPad controller, connected components and Arduino software for programmed behavior. | Exact board version, available connections and compatible power source. |
Depending on the project, a materials list may include a LilyPad sewable electronics kit, conductive thread and, for programmable behavior, a compatible controller. Check what the specific kit or board listing includes; accessories may need to be purchased separately.
Rank #3
- Each accessory has been carefully designed and has good wear resistance.
- Use conductive sewing thread to connect each PCB board with corresponding function to realize various novel and fun ideas.
- Learn how to sew basic circuits to light up LEDs, control them with buttons and switches, and even experiment with for LilyPad circuits to react to ambient light levels.
- The Sewing Electronic Kit for Lilypad allows you to explore the wonderful world of electronic sewing and electronic textiles through a series of entry projects using the for LilyPad system.
- Convenient for you to replace the old accessories, and the weight is small.
What to know about the LilyPad Arduino USB board
The following specifications apply to the cited LilyPad Arduino USB (DEV-12049), not to every LilyPad board. SparkFun’s listing describes an ATmega32U4-based board operating at 3.3V, with a micro-USB programming connection, a JST battery socket and sewable conductive tabs. It specifies 9 digital I/O pins, 4 PWM channels and 4 analog inputs. The listing also excludes a 3.7V LiPo battery, conductive thread and sewing needles, so check the current listing and board version before purchasing: LilyPad Arduino USB (DEV-12049).
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The LilyPad Arduino 328 Main Board is an Arduino-programmed microcontroller designed to be easily integrated into e-textiles and wearable projects. It offers the same functionality you find in other Arduino boards, in a lightweight, round package designed to minimize snagging and profile, with wide tabs that can be sewn down and connected with conductive thread.
- The LilyPad Arduino consists of an ATmega328 with the Arduino bootloader and a minimum number of external components to keep it as small (and as simple) as possible.
- This board will run from 2V to 5V and offers large pin-out holes that make it easy to sew and connect. Each of these pins, with the exception of (+) and (-), can control an attached input or output device (like a light, motor, or switch).
- LilyPad is a wearable e-textile technology developed by Leah Buechley and cooperatively designed by Leah and SparkFun. Each LilyPad was creatively designed to have large connecting pads to allow them to be sewn into clothing. Various input, output, power, and sensor boards are available. They’re even washable!
- Skill Level : Assembled and Tested
Rank #4
- Sewable electronics prototyping board with ATmega32U4 MCU
- Program using the Popular MCU IDE connecting directly this board to the computer using USB
- At the center of the ProtoSnap Plus is the LilyPad USB Plus microcontroller, pre-wired to a LilyPad board including a LilyPad Light Sensor, LilyPad Buzzer, LilyPad Button Board, four pairs of colored LilyPad LEDs and a LilyPad Slide Switch
- The ProtoSnap Plus also includes expansion ports that let you sew your wearables together or use alligator cables to easily connect external sensors and components.
- Powered from the USB port
Plan power, stitching and care
- Match the power source to the selected board and intended circuit. A replaceable coin cell and a rechargeable LiPo are different approaches; use only a compatible source.
- Plan where components and stitched conductive paths will sit on the fabric before assembling the project.
- Check the instructions for the specific components before washing or cleaning a finished item. General descriptions of wearable electronics do not establish that a completed project is machine washable.
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