Getting Started with LilyPad
In this section we will go over what a LilyPad circuit looks like and also the types of LilyPad projects you can do.
Many of the topics on this page are covered in our Intro to Sewable Circuits Webinar video .
The LilyPad Circuit
Every LilyPad circuit, no matter how complex, has three basic parts:
- A power source
- Conductive Paths (conductive thread stitching) between electronic components
- The LilyPad pieces that are connected together to light up, make sound or perform other behaviors (the “function” of your project)
Let's take a closer look into each of the parts that makes up a LilyPad circuit.
Choosing a Power Source
All LilyPad projects need a power source — most use either a 3V CR2032 coin cell battery or a 3.7V lithium polymer rechargeable battery. Which power solution you need will depend on a few factors: the size of your project, the type of LilyPad Arduino you choose, and whether you would rather replace or recharge a battery. The LilyPad line includes a stand-alone sewable coin cell holder or built-in battery connections for coin cell batteries or lithium polymer batteries (available on select LilyPad boards).
Conductive Thread Connections
LilyPad boards are made to be sewn together using conductive thread, a specialty thread made with stainless steel fibers. Used instead of copper wiring to connect LilyPad pieces together, it provides a soft and flexible connection between components that is incorporated directly into fabric. Each LilyPad piece has a large sew tab to accommodate a variety of needle sizes for attaching conductive thread.
LilyPad Pieces
The LilyPad line includes a variety of sewable components for creative projects. Choose from LEDs in a variety of colors, buttons, switches, sensors, buzzers and controller (Arduino) boards. Check out all of the individual LilyPad pieces here. Which pieces you choose to build into your project will depend on your individual vision and goals. Read on for more about the different types of LilyPad projects you can make.
Types of LilyPad Projects
No matter what type of project you are looking to start with LilyPad they can be divided into 3 categories:
- e-Sewing (Simple Circuits)
- Pre-programmed
- Programmable with Arduino
Let's dive into each of these categories and direct you to some help along the way.
Keep it simple.
A great way to try out sewing with conductive thread without programming is to create e-sewing projects. LilyPad LEDs and a LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder will light up a project, and the possibilities can be expanded to include simple interactive elements like buttons or switches, which you can purchase or make yourself. We recommend e-sewing projects if you are new to sewing or want to create a quick and easy light-up craft.
Here are some beginner e-sewing projects to try:
Light-Up Plush
Craft a light-up plush with LilyPad LEDs controlled by pressing a button and sliding a switch in the creature's hands.
Glowing Pin
Create a quick and easy piece of e-textile art using a LilyPad LED, battery holder, conductive thread, and coin cell battery.
Illuminated Mask
Use LilyPad LEDs, a switched battery holder, and coin cell battery to make a fun light up mask for your next costume party.
Take it up a notch.
If you are ready to try some flashier effects with LEDs or explore how programmed projects work without writing the code yourself, pre-programmed LilyPad boards are a great option. The LilyPad line includes four products that are project-ready: the LilyTiny, LilyTwinkle, LilyTwinkle ProtoSnap and LilyMini ProtoSnap — just sew and glow!
LilyTiny
The LilyTiny has a different light pattern programmed for each numbered sew tab. Tab 0 controls a “breathing” fade, tab 1 flashes a heartbeat pattern, tab 2 creates an on/off blink, and tab 3 produces a random fading effect (twinkle). The LilyTiny is a great way to try out different light patterns in a project.
See the LilyTiny in Action
LilyTwinkle
If you are looking for an overall sparkling effect on a project, the LilyTwinkle has all four numbered tabs programmed with a random fading effect, mimicking twinkling stars or fireflies. The LilyTwinkle also comes in a LilyTwinkle ProtoSnap, a pre-wired board containing everything you need to test and sew a LilyTwinkle project.
See the LilyTwinkle in Action
LilyMini ProtoSnap
For something more interactive, try the LilyMini ProtoSnap — a pre-wired, pre-programmed LilyPad board with a LilyPad Light Sensor and LilyPad Button attached to it. The LilyMini includes a built-in coin cell battery holder to eliminate additional sewing. Test out the circuit with the pre-wired connections, then snap apart and sew into a project. The LilyMini ProtoSnap has three pre-programmed modes (indicated by a built-in RGB LED): white (all LEDs on), magenta (LEDs fade in and out in a “breathing” pattern with speed affected by covering the light sensor), and cyan (when the light sensor is covered, LEDs twinkle).
See the LilyMini ProtoSnap in Action
Fully customizable.
Have an idea for a custom project and ready to program? The LilyPad line has a variety of LilyPad Arduino microcontrollers to choose from, all compatible with free Arduino software. The LilyPad ProtoSnap Plus is a great place to start prototyping a project — it includes twelve LilyPad boards pre-wired to a LilyPad microcontroller for experimenting with code before you sew.
The LilyPad ecosystem also includes four stand-alone LilyPad controllers:
- LilyPad Arduino 328 Main Board
- LilyPad Arduino Simple Board
- LilyPad Arduino SimpleSnap
- LilyPad Arduino USB.
These controller boards can be connected to most of the LilyPad boards for light-up, sound-making or sensing projects. Check out Choosing a LilyPad Arduino for Your Project for a side-by-side comparison of each board’s features.
Let's Get Started
Get Inspired
Take a look at our gallery page to browse projects made with LilyPad.
Plan Your Project
Check out Planning a Wearable Electronics Project for tips on brainstorming and prototyping, as well as technical considerations.
Start with a Kit
LilyPad Sewable Electronics Kit — Includes everything you need to make 4 e-sewing projects: glowing pin, illuminated mask, light-up plush and night-light pennant (with LilyMini). Craft supplies also included.
Continue Learning
Read some of SparkFun’s blog posts on LilyPad and wearables.