Luminescent Wearables for Low-Light Visibility of Children

This study explores the development of luminescent wearables using machine embroidery with phosphorescent threads to enhance the visibility and safety of children in low-light environments, addressing the need for improved child protection in urban settings. Five embroidery designs incorporating sports, animal, celestial, and typographic motifs were created using Digitizer MBV 2.0 software and produced on a Janome MB4 embroidery machine with phosphorescent threads on black woven fabric for optimal contrast. The luminous performance was evaluated through photographic documentation and lux meter measurements in a controlled light-tight chamber, assessing light emission intensity and decay over time after UV activation. Results demonstrate that designs with higher stitch counts and densities exhibit stronger initial illuminance and longer persistence, with exponential decay curves highlighting rapid initial intensity loss. Variations in design size and stitch density showed linear correlations with illuminance. The study demonstrates the feasibility of luminescent embroidery as a scalable and child-friendly approach to enhancing low-light visibility and safety, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.