Cycle Indicator Gloves

I made the first pair of these gloves before university, and I graduated 2 years ago, so it’s been a while. The first pair were made with flashing LED lights and because each LED light flashed independently of each light the lights soon began to blink out of sync.

Hahaha, maybe I was ahead of my time! Anyway, the guys at Kitronik have created a Flasher Controller which syncs all the LEDs to flash in sync with each other. Hooray!!!

So, finally, I’m able to make the gloves as they were meant to be.

The gloves are normal cycling gloves, but they have electronics sewn onto them which add an Indicator light to the gloves.

The red strip of lights is optional and stays on (continuously or flashing) while switched on. The white indicator works through a tilt switch, so only comes on when you stick your hand up to indicate.

The lights are tiny and flat, not cumbersome and there are 3 light sequences you can choose. Continuous, slow flash and fast flash. They add some extra lighting and safety when cycling in the dark.

The components can be bought from Kitronik.co.uk

You need to buy:

• 2 x Flasher Controller, LED kits – it includes the controller/battery holder, 2 x White LEDs, 1 x battery, Conductive thread.
• 2 x Sewable tilt switches
• 10 x White Sewable LED lights
• 6 x Red Sewable LED lights (if adding the red lights)

You’ll also need Scissors, sewing needle, needle threader, and white chalk to mark the gloves.

There are a lot of basic E-Textile kits and tutorials out there, but this is a little more tricky than a basic kit. However, it you follow the video slowly you should be able to make the gloves.

Don’t forget, you can always email me if you’re stuck.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the tutorial and if you’re a cyclist, or even a jogger, in fact anyone who is out there on the roads at night (and not in a vehicle) you might find these useful.

If the red light being on bothers you, you could add a seperate on/off switch.

Anyway, here is the tutorial