Planning a Wearable Electronics Project
Gella 
Project Planning Checklist
Here is a checklist of questions to consider when planning the specifics of your project:
What is the base material/fabric?
Is it delicate, stretchy, thin? You may need reinforcing material such as interfacing so components don't pull loose or move on the fabric.
How durable does the project need to be?
Is it a one-time showpiece or will it get a lot of use (such as a theater project that needs to survive multiple performances)? Sometimes soldering together components may be a more durable option than sewing. Silicone wire is a great option if you decide to solder components together. Ribbon cable may also be a good option for projects with multiple thread lines such as the three to four connections needed for the LilyPad Pixel boards.
Reinforcing or covering components that are in areas of high flex or wear is also something to consider for the longevity of your project.
Do I want to see the circuit or not?
Hiding components under layers or linings will keep the "magical" quality of the circuit whereas building on top of a costume can incorporate the boards as decorative elements. Experiment with decorative accents such as beads, sequins, or buttons to strategically hide components and make them blend in. If using decorative items with a metallic finish, coat in clear nail polish to avoid accidental shorts in the the thread or components.
Will it be easy to access any switches, batteries, or sensors?
Consider how the inputs will be used - where is the most sensible place for a wearer to access these components? For example, hiding a switch in the back of a dress would make it inaccessible for the wearer to use (unless they are super flexible). A better spot may be along the waistline or sleeves.
Some wearable technologies, like EL Wire, need larger packs for inverters and batteries that may not fit easily in some clothing designs. Others, such as Polymer Lithium Ion Batteries, may be delicate and need a special pouch or placement away from sharp objects or potential crushing. For more information on powering your project, see our tutorial.
How will the circuit be insulated?
Most costuming or wearable projects will be moving on the body and can be prone to short circuits. For conductive thread traces in close proximity to each other, we recommend insulating the project to protect against accidental short circuits. Check out our Insulation Techniques for e-Textiles tutorial for some ideas. This should be the last step in your project once it is tested (on a flat, non-metallic surface) and before it is worn.