PROJECTS LED Matrix Pillows
square and lay it on a flat surface with scratch
paper underneath. Now use the Sharpie to draw
two vertical marks that are 2.5cm on either side
of the midline. Continue to draw vertical marks
at 5cm intervals on both sides until there are 10
symmetrically spaced marks (Figure
C
).
Next, using a ruler as a straightedge that is
aligned with the mesh holes, draw lines to extend
the marks to the opposite side of the mesh
square. Then turn the mesh fabric square 90
degrees, and follow the same procedure to draw
identical lines running perpendicular to the first
set. Now you have a 9×9 grid of 5cm squares,
centered in the mesh square (Figure
D
). Repeat
this process with the second 21" square.
2. SEW THE PILLOWCASES
Lay one 21" mesh square on a flat surface with
the marked side up. Place two 13"×21" rectangles
over it so that their long edges align with opposite
sides of the square. The rectangles will overlap
each other by 2½" in the middle. Use sewing clips
or binder clips to secure the edges of all three
pieces around the perimeter (Figure
E
).
Use your sewing machine or a needle and
thread to sew a seam with a ½" allowance around
the entire perimeter of the sandwiched fabric
pieces. Reinforce the seams by back-stitching
near the corners and the places where the
rectangular layers overlap; or if you’re sewing by
hand, use small, tight stitches to secure the fabric
well and knot the thread ends tightly.
Once the mesh pillowcase is sewn, use sharp
scissors to trim the four corners at a diagonal,
just outside the seam (Figure
F
). Turn the case
inside out (Figure
G
), pushing the corners out
from the inside with your fingers. Insert a pillow
insert into the mesh case, plumping and tugging
the pillow corners to fill the case without slack.
3. MAKE THE LED MATRIX
The grid drawn on the cases has a 5cm spacing
but adjacent LEDs on the strings are 10cm apart.
We’ll reconcile this difference by weaving the LED
string into a pattern of two perpendicular zig-zag
grids that overlap perfectly to place one LED at
each grid intersection.
Each of the resin-encased LEDs has a distinct
front and back side (Figure
H
). The back is a bit
B
C
D
E
F
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