Precise new method of embroidering circuits into fabric developed

US researchers have found a new way to embroider circuits into fabric with greater precision than ever before.

A team from Ohio State University have developed a means of integrating circuits into fabric with 0.1 mm precision, potentially allowing electronic components such as sensors and computer memory devices to be incorporated into clothing.

The method uses a typical tabletop sewing machine programmed with a pattern loaded via a computer file, but offers the same accuracy as printed metal circuit boards thanks to the use of silver-coated polymer thread that is thinner than ever before.

As less thread is used per embroidery, the cost and time involved in the process are both reduced compared to existing techniques.

John Volakis, director of the electroscience laboratory at Ohio State University, said: "We believe that functional textiles are an enabling technology for communications and sensing – and one day even medical applications like imaging and health monitoring."

It is hoped that this approach could be used to create clothing that can be used as an antenna for the smart device, or to monitor the health and performance of the wearer.