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Soldering to Textiles

COMPUTATIONAL CRAFT

TUTORIAL

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SOLDERING 101

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STATION

For your reference: Slides and video playlist that cover how to solder the following:

  1. Through hole + fabric
  2. SMD + fabric
  3. Through hole + thread
  4. SMD + thread

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VIDEOS

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VINYL CUTTING

Playlist

If you are more of an audiovisual learner, use these tutorial videos to guide you through the process.

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TEST

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VINYL CUTTING

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Tools

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IRON

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TOOLS + SUPPLIES

Soldering irons range in price, but you can find good cheap ones. Look for one with 30 watts and that allows you to replace the tip. You should also be sure to get a stand and sponge/brass cleaner.

Still works great

$10 at Sparkfun

Fancy

~$100 on Amazon

Always solder in a ventilated space!

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SOLDER

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TOOLS + SUPPLIES

Lead-free is better for your health, other people’s health, and the environment. It is much harder to solder with. If you are a beginner, you might want to start with rosin.

Lead-free

Rosin core

(i.e. lotsa lead)

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OPTIONAL

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TOOLS + SUPPLIES

For desoldering

Cleaning solder tip

Better than a sponge

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Process

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PRACTICE

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SOLDERING 101

  1. Through hole (use wire) + fabric
  2. SMD + fabric
  3. Through hole (use wire) + thread
  4. SMD + thread
  5. Fabric + Fabric
  6. Fabric + Thread
  7. Thread + Thread (optional)

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PREP

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SOLDERING 101

Gather the following materials:

  • Soldering iron
  • Solder
  • Tweezers
  • Fabric glue
  • Artists tape or scotch tape
  • Sponge or brass holder for your iron
  • Wire snips or another tool that cuts wire

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Fabric

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THROUGH

HOLE ON FABRIC

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SOLDERING 101

  1. Heat your iron. Wet sponge if using.
  2. Determine component placement.
  3. Stabilize component with tape or clip.
  4. Apply solder to component and let pool on fabric - do not let the iron sit for too long to avoid burning.
  5. Let cool.
  6. Check continuity.

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SMDS ON FABRIC

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SOLDERING 101

Note: Double check that your two thread traces are the right width apart - not touching each other, but the pad can touch either side

Part 1: Solder the pads

  • Heat your iron. Wet sponge if using.
  • Determine component placement.
  • Apply solder to area you want the component to go.
  • Check orientation if you need to (e.g. with LEDs).
  • Hold component with tweezers.
  • Position over soldered fabric pads so touching.

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SMDS ON FABRIC

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SOLDERING 101

Note: If you need to reinforce, apply more solder to the fabric and “glide” solder up.

Part 2: Solder to fabric

  • Apply iron to intersection of soldered pad and one side of fabric just until solder melts.
  • Let cool.
  • Check connection by pulling on component slightly.
  • Repeat on other side.

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Thread

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THROUGH

HOLE ON THREAD

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SOLDERING 101

Note: Double check that your two thread traces are the right width apart - not touching each other, but the pad can touch either side

  • Heat your iron. Wet sponge if using.
  • Determine component placement.
  • Wrap the thread around the component lead OR curl the legs of the LED and sew them into the circuit
  • Stabilize the component.
  • Apply solder to component and let it wrap around thread.
  • Let cool.
  • Check continuity.

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SMD ON FABRIC

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SOLDERING 101

Note: Double check that your two thread traces are the right width apart - not touching each other, but the pad can touch either side

Part 1: Solder the pads

  • Heat your iron. Wet sponge if using.
  • Determine component placement.
  • Flip component on back side.
  • Hold steady with tweezers.
  • Apply solder to pads.
  • Turn component over with pads facing down.

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SMD ON FABRIC

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SOLDERING 101

Note: If you need to reinforce, apply more solder to the thread.

Part 2: Solder to fabric

  • Hold component with tweezers.
  • Position over one thread so the pad touch the thread.
  • Apply iron to intersection of soldered pad and thread just until solder melts.
  • Let cool.
  • Check connection by pulling on component slightly.
  • Repeat.

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SMD ON FABRIC

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SOLDERING 101

Another option

You can also apply solder to the thread first instead of applying solder to the component first.

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Finishing

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SECURE IT

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SOLDERING 101

You should always apply a dab of fabric or hot glue to your soft solder joints. This will ensure they don’t break, but remain flexible.

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For thread: be sure to cut any extra thread to avoid a short circuit.

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