Illumination systems within fabric-based devices

A fabric-based item, comprising:

• a light source;
• fabric;
• perforations in the fabric;
• and
• a coating that overlaps the perforations, wherein the perforations are illuminated by the light source so that light passes through at least some of the coating, wherein the fabric has opposing first and second surfaces, wherein the coating covers at least part of the first surface, wherein the light source supplies light that passes through the perforations from the second surface to the first surface, wherein the coating is patterned to form an alphanumeric symbol that is visible on the first surface, wherein the perforations form a border around an alphanumeric symbol shape that matches the alphanumeric symbol formed by the coating, and wherein the border formed by the perforations aligns with edges of the coating.

Apparatus, comprising:

• a movable member;
• fabric that overlaps the movable member and that has an array of openings overlapping the movable member, wherein the array of openings has a symbol shape and wherein a density of the openings varies as a function of distance across the fabric;
• a light source that illuminates the array of openings;
• transparent polymer in the openings through which light from the light source passes;
• and
• a key web having a hole that receives the movable member, wherein the array of openings overlaps the hole.