Take a moment and look at this collection of fabric. How do you feel about using it in your sewing? I bet some of you will say you are excited to get started sewing and some of you will say you are terrified to take on the project. 😊/😱
Whether this strikes joy or fear in your heart there is one thing that’s undeniable, this fabric is not like most of the fabric you find at the store. It is covered in texture, is dimensional, and shimmers and shines like no other.
Getting to know more about this fabric will empower you to add it to your projects.
Meet sequin fabric.
Sequin fabric has shaped plastic pieces attached to a fabric backing.
Today we will touch on where you can find this fabric and go over a checklist of what projects to add it to.
Where to find sequin fabric.
Sequin fabric is one of the many stars living in the Special Occasion Fabric section at your local fabric store. 🌟🌟
You can also find it in online fabric shops and Etsy shops.
I recommend if you are just starting out look for local sources, so you can have a hands-on experience to get to know the fabric.
Picking a project for sequin fabric.
You have a few decisions to make before you get started adding sequin fabric to a doll clothes pattern. To use sequin fabric as an accent on a project, first decide which project and pattern pieces are a good match for sequin fabric.
- Patterns pieces with a simple shape.
- Designs that do not need drape. Look for areas that are fitted and do not have extra fabric. For example on a dress pattern, plan for sequin fabric on the bodice but not on the full skirt.
- Designs that have multiple pattern pieces. Can you add sequin fabric to one or two pattern pieces as an accent?
- Areas of low to no stretch. If you are sewing with a pattern that needs knit fabric be sure it calls for a low stretch percentage.
I hope you will browse your local fabric store for sequin fabric and look through your patterns to see where you can add sequin fabric to a doll clothes project!
Stay tuned for part 2 where we will dive into the different types of sequin fabric and how to decide which type is the best for your project.
Add a sequin overlay to a dress bodice. This includes a step-by-step tutorial.
Add sequin fabric on a dress (Option 1). This tutorial includes step-by-step instructions to add sequin fabric with a knit backing to the bodice pieces of a dress pattern.
Buy the Sequin Hair Bow Pattern here.
I remember making a sequin dress for myself about 48 years ago. The lady cutting the fabric gave me a few tips for cutting and sewing. The fabric was quite different but just as elegant. The backing was made of taffeta. The sequins were attached with a chain stitch, overlapping each other creating a nap to the fabric. No sergers back then, so each cut into the fabric had to be taped to keep the sequins from unraveling. When cutting, you tried not to cut through a sequin–just the fabric. I wish I knew about a HongKong finish for the exposed seams. Would have looked much better than the cellophane tape. The sequins were quite dense. None of the taffeta backing showed. I’ll make sure to check out the sequin fabric next time I’m at the fabric store.
You need to try out clear thread on your sequin fabrics. Much cleaner.