Tips For Sequin Fabric Sewing…

It's easiest to cut sequined fabric on a single layer, so trace any pattern piece marked "on the fold" (such as a Joni pattern skirt) as a double layer piece.

Check that the sequins are running in one direction - if so, lay out all the pieces so that the sequins run down the fabric. Line up the texture arrow with the first sequin line on the edge of the fabric. Use pattern weights to hold the pieces in place.

Use scissors you don't mind dulling - I used paper scissors. Watch out for flying sequins when cutting! Wearing glasses or goggles is a good idea.

Tips for sewing sequined fabrics - Tilly and the Buttons

Put on your favorite music, and take some time to remove or cut the sequins from the seam allowance, using a seam opener or small scissors. This will make your seams smoother, it will make the seams less bulky and itchy on your skin, and help avoid broken needles. To save time, you can reduce the seam allowance by 5mm (¼"), so you only have 10mm (3⁄8") of seam allowance to take apart. If you do this, remember to sew the seam with a 10mm (3⁄8") seam allowance later.

If the sequins are sewn with string, not individually, and you're worried they'll come off, you can hand knot the loose threads together.

Cuts may not be visible in all the glitz - so if you need to add notches, mark them with a tailor's tack or washable pen on the mesh side of the fabric.

Tips for sewing sequined fabrics - Tilly and the Buttons

If your sequined fabric has a knitted bottom, sew it with a regular sewing machine, not a serger. Try a 70/11 ballpoint pen or a stretch needle and have a spare or two back in case it breaks! Again, if this happens, it's best to wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

Machine sew garments with 3 x 3mm zigzag, or hand sew garments with stitches.

The sequins will melt, so use your fingers to press open the seams instead of ironing them. If the seam looks a little sparse where you removed the sequins, you can cut some sequins from any leftover fabric and sew them into the gaps by hand - if you're patient!

Dry clean or hand wash the finished dress with a mild detergent.

Tips for sewing sequined fabrics - Tilly and the Buttons

amazing!

Have you ever sewed with sequins before? Let us know in the comments if you learned any tricks I missed :) This is my book Stretch

excerpt! Get yourself comfortable sewing with knitted fabrics, which includes more tips for using an overlock machine, as well as patterns and fabric tips for sewing clothes with stretch knitted fabrics.