Here's how to cut and splice EL tape and EL Cut & Shape panels to make a costume.
You can turn corners at any angle with the EL tape strips by cutting and splicing the pieces together. First, carefully peel back the laminate from the back of the tape. You can warm the laminate with an iron by placing the end in a napkin. This will make the task a little easier, but don’t burn or melt the laminate.

A sharp blade can get it started and a tweezers is helpful in pulling the laminate away.

Be sure not to pull the silver-grey conductive material away from the laminate. That will ruin the tape.

You may want to add an inch or two to a length so you can trim away any mistakes.

Expose more than 1/4 of an inch (6 – 7mm) to be sure of a good connection. The more that is exposed the better the connection will be.

Then apply copper foil tape to the two strips of conductive material. Once you have a good connection, cover the foil tape with transparent or electrical tape to hold it in place.

You can also use glue or solder for a more secure connection. If using solder, be sure to drip the solder onto the material. Touching the soldering iron to the tape may melt the material and ruin the tape.

To make a strong connection, poke holes through the tape with a needle or nail then thread exposed wire through the holes.

Then bend the wires to securely contact the silver substrates on back of the tape. You can then use glue or solder on the back to be sure of a solid connection.
Connect the ends to an inverter with wire or gator clips. Gator clips are recommended for setting up and testing the tape connections.

Remember, the more connections and the longer the tape, the dimmer the glow. If the connections are poorly done, the tape will become noticeably dimmer.

Tapes can be sliced along one or both edges to make them narrower. Be sure not to slice across the line in the center of the tape.

Tapes can also be shaped with this slicing technique.


To make additional decorations, use a Cut & Shape sheet.Trace the design onto the back of the Cut & Shape sheet with a pencil.

Then cut out the design. A sharp blade is useful for cutting and trimming in tight spots.

A scissors can be used for most other cuts. Although not necessary, it is a good idea to clean the edges with alcohol and then seal with transparent tape.
Connections can be made with wires from two of the tabs to other components of the costume. Or it can be quickly connected directly to its own inverter using gator clips.

The same techniques for splicing with copper foil tape or attaching wires to EL tape can be used for making connections to the tabs.

The illuminated tape and Cut & Shape decorations will vary in color and brightness.

When finished, apply the tape and decorations to clothing.

Double-sided poster tape is useful for this purpose and will allow the EL to be removed --- in most instances without damaging the clothing. However it may pull away if the wearer is active or if the costume is worn for a long period of time. Be sure to carry some extra poster tape with you to make repairs if necessary. Also, be careful with leather and leather-like fabrics because the poster tape may tear away the surface of the fabric. Neutral contact cements and photo-mounting glue can also be used. Avoid adhesives in spray cans.
You can also use Velcro patches for temporary attachments. For permanent attachments, sewing along the laminate border is recommended. Although not recommended, you can actually sew through the illuminated portions of the tape and Cut & Shape panels, but be sure to test this technique before trying it on an entire costume. Remember, EL does not do well in water or humid environments. Do not launder your costume with the EL attached.
Now light it up and have some fun.
