The prototyping process for e-textile circuits presents unique challenges, as traditional electronic prototyping tools are often rigid and incompatible with the flexible nature of fabric. In this paper, we document the iterative design of FabricBoards, a set of fabric-based breadboards designed for e-textile LED circuits. FabricBoards reimagine the solderless breadboard in a textile-based form, using tools and materials native to textile crafting, inviting and accessible to historically underrepresented makers. We experimented with various textile crafts including machine-sewing, felting, knitting, crocheting, digital embroidery, and weaving a breadboard. Our user study with 18 participants consisted of group workshops for ideation and individual interviews. A thematic analysis revealed four themes on the user experience of FabricBoards in terms of familiarity, materiality, and layout; the inherent incompatibility of electronic components with textiles; and the curiosity and engagement that FabricBoards evoke. Finally, we reflect with generalizable insights on computational making when reimagining e-textile breadboards.

This pictorial presents a design research exploration of domestic sewing machines as hybrid craft tools for creating e-textile circuits. Through iterative making and experimentation, we examine how conductive materials and electronic components can be integrated into fabric using sewing machines. We contribute 11 techniques for securely terminating connections (T1-T4), insulating wires (I1-I4), and design possibilities for sewing LEDs and electronic components (A1-A3). We also introduce four types of machine-sewn sensors (S1-S4) for interactivity and present four high-fidelity prototypes of machine-sewn circuits. To further explore the creative potential of these techniques, we engaged in a case study with a craft practitioner that uncovers design insights and limitations. Reflecting on these explorations, we highlight the role of sewing machines in democratizing e-textile design and advancing their use as accessible tools for hybrid fabrication.

Sergers, also known as overlookers, are common textile machines often found alongside sewing machines in homes and makerspaces. Despite this ubiquity, their application is underexplored in e-textile research. In this pictorial, we demonstrate the potential of sergers in seamlessly integrating interaction in garments and everyday home objects. After identifying the properties of various stitches and their utility for e-textiles, we demonstrate seven prototypes that implement our technique. Moreover, we present an innovative use for sergers to 'interlace' colorful conductive yarns that we call 'sperged threads'. Using a research through design approach, we explore potential applications in several hybrid crafts, including e-textile sensors, garment making, weaving, sewing, and embroidery. Through this work, we aim to inspire researchers, and empower the maker community, to explore e-textile serging, or 'e-serging'.