Conductive Thread

Everything you ever wanted to know about conductive thread! Following information below is an analysis of commercially- available conductive thread. I list relative stats and all the pros and cons of working with the thread from my own personal experience.

Silver Plated Nylon 117/12 x 2ply

Great light-weight thread but due to its moderate resistance I recommend limiting the length of your traces. This thread has a unique property of changing its resistance depending on whether it's stretched or loose.

Thread Specs
Resistance: ~ 75-85ohm/foot (when stretched/sewn) 1.2 -1.8K loose.
Thread Weight: Fine
Manufacturer: = Shieldex
Quantity: 1oz Spool (about 150 yds)
Where to Buy: $16.95 @ LessEMF.com | $19.95 @ Sparkfun

Thread Analysis
Bobbin thread= yes
Top Thread = no
Hand Stitch = yes but a little difficult because thread is fine.
Fraying = Light
Resistance = Medium

Silver Plated Nylon 234/34 x 4ply

Low resistance thread but it's really thick and tends to fray heavily.

Thread Specs
Resistance: ~ 14 ohms/foot
Thread Weight: Thick
Manufacturer: = Shieldex
Quantity: 2.5 oz Spool (about 190 yards)
Where to Buy: $19.95 @ Sparkfun

Thread Analysis
Bobbin thread= yes
Top Thread = no
Hand Stitch = yes
Fraying = Heavy
Resistance = Low

Conductive Thread from Lame Life Saver

Overall a good solid medium-weight thread with nominal resistance and minimal fraying.

Thread Specs
Resistance: ~ 30-35 ohms/foot
Thread Weight: Medium
Manufacturer: = Unknown
Quantity: spool about 200 yards
Where to Buy: ~ $17.95 US @ Lame Lifesaver

Thread Analysis
Bobbin thread= yes
Top Thread = no
Hand Stitch = yes
Fraying = low
Resistance = Low

Purchase 10ft Sample of Lame Lifesaver Thread (US customers only)

234/34 4 Ply HC Conductive Silver Thread

This is an excellent overall thread with low resistance and light fraying. The thread is thick like Silver Plated Nylon 234/34 x 4ply but is MUCH easier to work with because of its light fraying. The main drawback is the cost because it is only available in a large 2.5 pound cone. If you are curious to work with this thread, I recommend buying the sample pack for $30.

Thread Specs
Resistance: ~ 14 ohms/foot
Thread Weight: Thick
Manufacturer: = Shieldex
Quantity: 2.5 pound Cone
Where to Buy: $212.44 @ Silverell

Thread Analysis
Bobbin thread= yes
Top Thread = no
Hand Stitch = yes
Fraying = light
Resistance = Low

235/34 HC Conductive SilverThread

This is another excellent overall thread with low resistance and light fraying. The thread is also fine. The main drawback is the cost because it is only available in a large 1 pound cone. If you are curious to work with this thread, I recommend buying the sample pack for $30.

Thread Specs
Resistance: ~ 30 ohms/foot
Thread Weight: Fine
Manufacturer: = Shieldex
Quantity: 1 pound Cone
Where to Buy: $196.84 @ Silverell

Thread Analysis
Bobbin thread= yes
Top Thread = yes
Hand Stitch = yes
Fraying = light
Resistance = Low