Sewing with Sequin Fabric: Tips and Tricks
Sequin fabric has a glamorous look that can be showcased in an entire project or as an accent. The actual sequins vary in size, shape and color and are usually stitched on tulle or chiffon fabric.
Sequins can be stitched in an all-over pattern, a random pattern or a fixed pattern. The all-over pattern is dense and can get quite heavy. Reversible sequin fabric, aka mermaid sequin fabric, is a popular all-over pattern today sewn on shirts, pillows and stuffed animals. Pictured below is an example of a teal and gold reversible sequin sold by Eversewn.
Let’s explore sequin fabric!
Characteristics of Sequin Fabric
- Backing fabric is usually tulle or chiffon
- The sequin itself is made of metal or plastic
- Can be scratchy and irritate the skin
- Sequin is available in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes
- Reversible sequin is two-toned
Care and Use of Sequin Fabric
- Easily damaged by heat and moisture
- Hand wash and drip dry or take to dry cleaners
- Use gentle detergent
- Turn inside out for washing
- Do not iron – use steam for wrinkles
Recommended BERNINA Presser Feet for Sewing with Sequin Fabric
BERNINA Zigzag Foot with Non-stick Sole #52/52C/52D
Zigzag Foot with Non-Stick Foot #52/52C/52D is a version of the BERNINA Zigzag Foot #0 and is good for general all-purpose sewing. This foot has a special coating that is designed for difficult fabrics.
BERNINA Three-sole Walking Foot with Sea Guide #50
Walking Foot #50 is great for difficult fabric or those that don’t feed easily under the presser foot. The bottom of the walking foot has a rubber gripper that helps feed the fabric.
Tips for Sewing on Sequin Fabric
- Have dedicated scissors for sequin fabric. This kind of fabric will dull your scissors quickly, so don’t use your good fabric scissors!
- Use a Straight Stitch Plate. With the 9 mm stitch plate, the sequin can catch in the slit.
- Use tape to mark cutting lines. Sequin fabric is slippery so tape helps secure it while cutting straight lines.
- Use a basting stitch in contrasting color and remove sequins within seam allowance, if necessary. On a BERNINA, the basting stitch is #21.
- Use a Jeans Needle in size 80. Jeans needles are strong and sharp.
- Use Wonder Clips instead of pins. Wonder Clips come in 3 sizes and are great for fabric that does not work well with pins.
I hope this inspires you to try adding sequin fabric to your next fun project. There are so many kinds of sparkly sequin fabrics available, you’ll have a hard time picking just one! Below are a couple of links from the BERNINA WeAllSew creative blog to get you started.
