Even if you are a good seamstress, the idea of trying your hand at a sequined dress may seem pretty intimidating. You know how expensive the material is, and the idea of ruining it or not finishing the project, may keep you from even attempting it. If you are planning to attend a big event though, and want to make a big splash with your outfit, sparkle fabrics are the way to go.
It all starts with the pattern, and the simpler the design, the easier it will be to work with. A lot of these types of materials are stretchy, so you will need a pattern that calls for it. Sequin fabric also tends to be bulkier than other kinds of material. The simpler the shape the better. Try to avoid patterns that call for darts and involve small pieces.
It's important to line a dress made of sequined material. Even if the pattern doesn't call for it, you should still take the time and spend the extra money to add lining. You will notice the difference in the way the dress hangs. The sequins will scratch your skin too, when you haven't included a lining, and sitting down in it for any length of time will make you miserable.
Top stitching is a lot more prevalent that it used to be, but you can't top stitch sequin material. When you're checking out patterns, be sure to look and see if they call for neck, sleeve or hem top stitching. Slip stitching the lining is fine and shouldn't be a problem.
Ironing as you go is a sign of a true seamstress. The experienced know this makes sewing easier and eliminates a lot of potential trouble spots. Ironing sequined material will get you in trouble however. You might melt the sequins or damage them significantly. The best thing to do is remove the sequins from the inside to flatten the seam. If you are trying to avoid this tedious process, you can try finger pressing the seams.
You can have machine problems working with this kind of fabric is you don't watch out. Leather needles work well. They are tough enough to pierce the sequins. Your regular needles will break. You should use old scissors instead of your expensive shears when you are working with sequins. They will dull the blades no matter how sharp the scissors started out.
Since you've decided to give sewing sequin fabric a try, you have to remember that it's not like most material. You just have to relax and take your time when you are working with it. There's no point in trying to clean the metallic pieces off the table or out of the carpet until you're finished. Don't feel bad if you don't remove the sequins from the seams. It's not a big deal.
You could always start small and make an easy, sleeveless, sequined top. Once you've completed it successfully you might be ready to move on to something more complicated. Everyone will wonder how you can afford your designer clothes.
It all starts with the pattern, and the simpler the design, the easier it will be to work with. A lot of these types of materials are stretchy, so you will need a pattern that calls for it. Sequin fabric also tends to be bulkier than other kinds of material. The simpler the shape the better. Try to avoid patterns that call for darts and involve small pieces.
It's important to line a dress made of sequined material. Even if the pattern doesn't call for it, you should still take the time and spend the extra money to add lining. You will notice the difference in the way the dress hangs. The sequins will scratch your skin too, when you haven't included a lining, and sitting down in it for any length of time will make you miserable.
Top stitching is a lot more prevalent that it used to be, but you can't top stitch sequin material. When you're checking out patterns, be sure to look and see if they call for neck, sleeve or hem top stitching. Slip stitching the lining is fine and shouldn't be a problem.
Ironing as you go is a sign of a true seamstress. The experienced know this makes sewing easier and eliminates a lot of potential trouble spots. Ironing sequined material will get you in trouble however. You might melt the sequins or damage them significantly. The best thing to do is remove the sequins from the inside to flatten the seam. If you are trying to avoid this tedious process, you can try finger pressing the seams.
You can have machine problems working with this kind of fabric is you don't watch out. Leather needles work well. They are tough enough to pierce the sequins. Your regular needles will break. You should use old scissors instead of your expensive shears when you are working with sequins. They will dull the blades no matter how sharp the scissors started out.
Since you've decided to give sewing sequin fabric a try, you have to remember that it's not like most material. You just have to relax and take your time when you are working with it. There's no point in trying to clean the metallic pieces off the table or out of the carpet until you're finished. Don't feel bad if you don't remove the sequins from the seams. It's not a big deal.
You could always start small and make an easy, sleeveless, sequined top. Once you've completed it successfully you might be ready to move on to something more complicated. Everyone will wonder how you can afford your designer clothes.
About the Author:
Get an overview of important factors to consider before selecting a fabric store and view our selection of sparkle fabrics at http://www.fabricsinmotion.net/about right now.