Sequin Fabrics

Sequin fabric is a type of fabric covered with plastic or metal shaped pieces. It is also commonly referred to as ‘sequence fabric’, though the only correct term is ‘sequin’. Sequins vary in size, shape and color. They can be glossy or matt, reversible or one-side. The most popular backing fabrics include tulle or chiffon.

What makes sequin fabrics so hot? They look ultramodern and stylish no matter what you sew them into: a boxy top, a pair of cigarette pants or a chic jacket. Designers use two variations: all-over sequin embroideries (which can get quite heavy!) and random sequins stitched on tulle, lace, silk and more. These shiny pieces can accentuate some areas or outline the entire pattern of the fabric.

sequined fabric

Types of Sequin Fabrics

Sequin fabrics are hard to pass by. They are so dazzling and tempting even when they just lay on store shelves rolled up in bolts! How to choose the most suitable sequin material for your project? Let’s zoom in on the various types one can find online:

Table 1. Sequin fabric types

Backing

Transparency

Stretch

Tulle or mesh

See-through

Usually there’s a slight stretch

Chiffon

See-through

No stretch

Organza

See-through

No stretch

Knit fabric

Either opaque or translucent

Stretchy

Lace

Sheer or semi-sheer

Stretch or no stretch

Wool

Opaque

Stretch or no stretch

Another way to categorize sequin fabrics is by the shape of the sequin. Originally, all sequins were round and looked like coins (in fact, the term comes from the Arabic word ‘sikka’ which stands for ‘coin’). Women attached them to their skirts, dresses and blouses as a symbol of wealth. Nowadays, you’ll be amazed by the variety of shapes available on the market. Modern sequins are usually made of plastic, and there are literally dozens of geometrical shapes to choose from:

  1. circle, or round
  2. square
  3. rectangular
  4. flowers
  5. stars
  6. snowflakes
  7. polygon
  8. oval, etc.

sequin fabric

Mermaid Sequin Fabric

Depending on the way sequins are stitched to the ground, they can be completely stable or easily flipped over with the sweeping of a hand. The second technique is commonly found in fabrics embellished with two-toned sequins, which means that the two sides of each disk are different in color. These are the so-called reversible sequin fabrics, also known as mermaid sequins.

The best thing about such materials is that one can actually write or draw on them, creating one-of-a-kind designs. How do you use it to your advantage?

  • Mermaid sequin dress

    An absolute wow, this style satisfies an eternal woman’s desire to look different every time she puts on the same dress. By sweeping your hand over, you can change the color and the design.

  • Mermaid sequin jacket

    Quality sequin cloth will have one glossy side and one matte side. Make a jacket or a blazer to add glam to your evening look.

  • Mermaid sequin top

    These can come in a variety of cuts and lengths. If all-over sequins are not your thing, consider placing an accent on the areas you want to sparkle: sleeves, neckline, pockets and so on.

  • Mermaid pillow

    Not exactly part of our wardrobe, such pillows are fun to make and pleasure to touch. They definitely bring an interactive element to any interior.

Sequins or paillettes? Nowadays, these terms are used interchangeably, ‘paillette’ being a French word. Mind that some people use ‘paillettes’ for larger, round, flat disks with a hole in the middle, and ‘sequins’ for cup-shaped disks.

golden sequin fabric

Tips for Sewing Sequin Fabrics

Sequins are not the easiest thing to sew. They require extra care and extra effort, but the result is worth it all. Read on to find out some tips on how to minimize the risk of damaging your sequin fabric and be 100% sure you’ll get what you’ve exactly planned for.

  1. Choose the right backing.

    Some fabrics fray more than others. If you go for woven backing such as taffeta, chiffon or organza, make sure you pay enough attention to the hems and seams. Plus, choose stitched sequins instead of glued ones. This way, the fabric will serve much longer and there will be no glue stains on the backing.

  2. Remove sequins in the seam allowance.

    This part will take time and patience, but it’s the key to success. Sequins are stiff and can be quite large, so it’s better to remove them in seam allowances. Save these decorative pieces for later when your project is ready: you may need to add some sequins to the ‘bald areas’, e.g. around the neck.

  3. Identify the nap.

    Some sequined fabrics have a nap, some of them don’t. It is important to keep the same direction of sequins in all pattern pieces you’re sewing together – usually face down.

  4. Use correct needles.

    In most cases, sequin fabrics call for thicker gauge needles, because regular ones can break. Do not be in a hurry when stitching the fabric, go in small steps.

  5. Get some lining.

    Finish your sequin project with lining so that these little pieces do no scratch your skin.

What to Make with Sequin Fabric

Sequins are an ideal adornment that fits many purposes. From evening wear and glamorous dresses to purses, shoes and home décor, there’s a thousand ways to use them. Such fabrics are often chosen for dancewear because of their flash appearance. If sequins are stitched onto the knit backing, one can make bodycon pieces, but if they sit on chiffon or organza fabrics, loose and boxy silhouettes are the best fit.

Still making up your mind about what to sew with sequins? Take a look at the list of ideas:

  • Sequin dress or skirt: from red sequin fabric to copy Marilyn Monroe’s iconic gown to multicolored versions for any whimsy. Floral designs on lace get a high score:

Sequined Guipure Lace

  • Sequin jacket: try reversible sequins for a stunning color effect, like this silver sequin fabric:

Sequined fabric

  • Sequin pants: whether you go with a lounge-wear style or a cigarette cut, choose the best colorway available:

sequined chiffon

  • Sequin coat: go big with this high fashion sequin fur:

Sequined wool gauze

Sequined Tulle

Tissura Collection

Sequined fabrics are some of the most luxurious textiles in the world. They reflect light and sparkle beautifully. At Tissura, you can buy online sequin fabrics coming in extensive selection and produced by the leading European brands. Sequins can cover the entire surface, be sewn next to each other or in an overlapping manner, or in an intricate pattern.

Tissura offers exclusive sequin fabrics from such famous manufacturers as:

  • Jakob Schlaepfer (Switzerland)
  • Forster Rohner (Switzerland)
  • HOH (Austria)
  • Aldo Bianchi (Italy)
  • Riechers Marescot (France)
  • Sophie Hallette (France)
  • HOH (France).

These textile brands supply fabrics to the legendary fashion houses, and everything about their fabrics breathes perfection. Check out the entire collection of sequin fabrics by clicking on the button below:

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