When using microcontroller for embroidery circuit projects, sometimes you do not want to directly solder them on the embroidery as you need to take it out to change the program on it. For this, sockets are convenient, but it is also bulky on the fabric. I used 5mm felt, that is as thick as the DIP socket to embed the socket inside and extend the socket connection to conductive thread for embroidery. It is still a bit thick, but better than having bare socket on embroidered fabric surface.
these sockets does not hold the IC well and sometimes IC falls as you use the fabric as garment… I will need to fasten the IC by embroidering over it after the final program is on it.
Cut the felt, make a hole in the middle as big as the IC socket.
Cut the conductive thread. One needs to use copper/silver coated copper karl grimm thread or similar that is solder-able.
Solder the thread onto socket pin legs. if you need more than one connection from the same pin, you can add more thread on the single pins. Then cut off the pin short to keep the profile low.
Add hot glue on the back to protect the solder joint from wiggling. Conductive thread with solder tend to break when wiggled many itmes. make sure to cover the soldered parts with the glue. Wet your finger with water and press the glue while it is still soft to flatten the glue.
That’s it! now it is ready to be mounted/ embroidered on a fabric. It still adds some heiht, but not so bad…
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