# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/conductive-thread/connecting-components.md

# Conductive Thread

## Connecting components

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/217/medium800/flora_DSC_0112.jpg?1396793979)

The thread must travel between components to connect them, while avoiding other paths of conductive thread in the circuit. The thread acts like uninsulated wire or traces on a circuit board, but this circuit board is made out of fabric!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/218/medium800/flora_DSC_0113.jpg?1396794000)

The most straightforward connection is a running stitch. You can also learn many more [hand embroidery stitches](http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/06/basic-embroidery-stitches-line-stitches.html) which can have decorative or functional appeal in your project.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/219/medium800/flora_DSC_0115.jpg?1396794014)

As you stitch along, pause periodically to whip-stitch a chainable pixel's ground pad (-).

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/220/medium800/flora_DSC_0116.jpg?1396794036)

Turning 180 degrees

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/221/medium800/flora_DSC_0117.jpg?1396794066)

Now that all the pixels are anchored by one pad, clean up any stray threads on the back.

Tie a knot with a sewing needle! Insert the needle under a previous stitch.

![flora_DSC_0118.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/222/medium640/flora_DSC_0118.jpg?1396794094)

![flora_DSC_0119.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/223/medium640/flora_DSC_0119.jpg?1396794111)

Pull the thread almost all the way through, leaving a small loop. Put your needle through this loop and pull the thread through, creating a tight knot.  
  
Don't forget to seal the knot with Fray Check or clear nail polish before trimming the tail closely.

![flora_DSC_0120.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/224/medium640/flora_DSC_0120.jpg?1396794135)

![flora_DSC_0121.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/225/medium640/flora_DSC_0121.jpg?1396794150)

![flora_DSC_0123.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/226/medium640/flora_DSC_0123.jpg?1396794167)

![flora_DSC_0125.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/227/medium640/flora_DSC_0125.jpg?1396794187)

- [Previous Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/conductive-thread/tying-knots.md)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/conductive-thread/preventing-short-circuits.md)

## Featured Products

### Stainless Medium Conductive Thread - 3 ply - 18 meter/60 ft

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Connect this to that without soldering using these handy mini alligator clip test leads. 15" cables with alligator clip on each end, color coded. You get 12 pieces in 6 colors. Strong and grippy, these always come in handy! We often use these in conjunction with a multimeter so we...

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