Conductive Thread Overview

Back in 2004 when I first became fascinated with e-textiles, there were virtually no resources to purchase conductive thread commercially. I was fortunate enough to be a graduate student at the time and convinced manufacturers out of my sheer curiosity to mail me samples of their spools of conductive thread. Now in 2009 there is a growing number of threads available commercially and if I have my way :-), soon your local craft and hobby stores will be carrying small affordable spools.

I get a lot of questions regarding which conductive thread I prefer or use. Unfortunately there is no ONE ideal thread — it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. That being said, I have diligently created a review of all the threads I have tinkered with to share with all of you. This list will be updated as I continue to experiment with new materials. Next will be my review on the fabrics — so stay tuned.

I hope this answers most of your questions. Analysis below (also can be found under Resources).

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 Lifesaver

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

Purchase 10ft Sample of Lame Lifesaver conductive thread ($5) — US...

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

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

ConductiveThread_235/34 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

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Comment by Syuzi 1 day ago: For those of you who are intersted in sample of the Lame Lifesaver Conductive thread, you can purchase a sample here.

Comment by Nikola Delikatesla on January 6, 2010 at 5:34am: Answered my own question. Silver tarnishes when it reacts with sulfer; the tarnish affects only the silver itself and not the surrounding area.

The discoloration I noticed was actually due to a thin layer of oil on my conductive thread. I don't know if all conductive thread has this or not, but if anyone else has the same problem you can wipe the spool with a soft cloth dipped in alcohol to remove some of this oil.

Comment by Nikola Delikatesla on December 31, 2009 at 11:21am: This is really helpful, thanks. I'm a total beginner so this type of information is invaluable! I have a question, however. Are all conductive threads made with silver? It seems like from a conservation standpoint, the tarnishing of the silver is going to ruin your piece unless it was black to begin with. Have you had problems with this?

Comment by Syuzi on December 31, 2009 at 9:52am: WIlliam, I would purchase the thread from Lame Lifesaver. It is available in smaller spools and least prone to fraying. If you only need a small quantity, I am happy to mail you 10ft sample for $5. Just email me.

Comment by William on December 31, 2009 at 1:28am: I am looking for a good conductive thread to sew into the tips of my motorcycle gloves as I have a touch screen phone and cannot operate it while wearing said gloves. Which would be best for that?

Comment by Syuzi on May 11, 2009 at 10:10pm: I haven't tested all threads in the wash unfortunately. Perhaps I can make it a weekend project. I know that all the silver threads do oxidize simply by sitting on my shelf. Every time I open a new spool the resistance is much lower than that of a spool that has been sitting around for 6 months or longer.

I will try to get a hold of the Statex thread as well.

BTW, thanks for the embroidery tip. I'm sure everyone will find it rather helpful.

Comment by Mari Jovan Fernan on May 5, 2009 at 8:39am: Thank you for your valuable information. At the moment I have access to conductive threads of various thicknesses and qualities. They are from Statex, Bremen, Germany. They do have a website. They have also provided a small spool of polyurethane coated thread, velcro, and zippers which are all conductive for my project. Like you mentioned, one has to use the right thread for the right application. How much resistance does one need, how much juice can the thread take without shorting or burning out etc.
Have you tested the threads in the wash? Have they oxidized (if coated with silver) after a number of washes thus changing the resistance?
Just a bit of info for you ladies too...I have been advised if using conductive thread on an embroidery machine, it is best to cool the entire spool in the fridge first. Friction thus fraying....And go slow on the machine.

understand basic electronics, resistance and such.

Comment by Syuzi on March 9, 2009 at 7:20pm: Jessica, I'll measure out the thread from Silverell within the next few days and let you know.

Comment by Jessica on March 7, 2009 at 9:10am: Thank you for posting this info! I am with meg, Shieldex thread supplied by Sparkfun has been a pain. Do you know how much thread you get in the $30 package from Silverell?

Comment by meg on February 26, 2009 at 11:23pm: thank you so much for posting this! i've been frustrated by how much the sparkfun thread frays, so i'm keen to try something else.