Sequins are the epitome of a special occasion fabric, a flashy contribution to any festive outfit. In recent years, though, this formal flair has transitioned from cocktail attire to casual pieces in your everyday wardrobe. If you want to sew your own sequin garments, here are a few ideas and considerations for this unique material. 

Ways You Can Add Sequins to Your Closet

For Everyday

When you want to add a little sparkle to your everyday wardrobe, sequin can deliver. A sequin tank or shirt can dress up a casual look, while using this material as an accent like an elbow patch can give attitude to a simple sweater.

Regardless of the garment, sewing a sequin piece for everyday wear requires streamlined design and balanced styling. A top in this material, for example, will work best with a mid- to dark-wash pair of jeans and monochrome accents. Too much sparkle can make a sequin garment go from fun to gaudy very quickly. 

For a Big Night Out

For more formal occasions, the sky is the limit with sequin. From shiny skirts to sophisticated blazers, this material elevates a simple design style that is asking for an opportunity to wear it. 

Sewing with sequin for formal wear like cocktail dresses or gowns will likely require a slip for opacity and ease of wear. While a fun design choice, sequin can be itchy when used as a primary fabric, so a simple lining or slip can sidestep this complication. That way, you can focus on fun when donning a sparkly gown. 

Tips for Working With Sequins

Use a Simple Pattern

Sequin fabric requires substantial prep work before you get to sewing the pattern together. To avoid breaking needles and flying sequins as you run the material through your sewing machine, you need to cut sequins off the fabric where you plan to stitch. Then, when you finish the garment, you need to hand sew sequins in any bare patches left. 

Plus, as a standout material on its own, intricate sewing patterns can overcomplicate the final product and take away from the allure of its shine. Many sewists will recommend using a simple pattern instead to streamline your project. Plus, it allows the sequin to do the talking when you wear and style it. 

Watch the Nap of the Sequins

It is imperative to watch the way your sequins rest before cutting out your fabric. Plus, you need to consider how you want the sequins to lie in the final garment. If the plastic disks are dual colored, in particular, cutting out the material on the wrong side can cost you valuable yards of fabric. Double-check this step before picking up your sewing shears.

Wear Safety Glasses

When it comes to sewing the pattern together, even if you’ve done the extensive prep work, wear a pair of protective goggles. Even with a cleared stitching path, sequins can haphazardly fly off the fabric as you use the sewing machine. Protect your eyes from this issue as an added precaution in the sewing process.

 

If you’re interested in sewing your way to a shinier wardrobe, Spandex House has a vast selection of sequin to choose from for your next project. From velvet to metallics, sequins, and more, they carry a variety of materials to suit your needs. For more information about this Manhattan, NY, based fabric store, visit their website or give them a call today at (212) 354-6711.