Even experienced seamstresses are somewhat hesitant about tackling specialty materials. These are some of the most expensive materials to work with, and if you make a mistake, it can be costly to repair. When they are handled correctly though, the results can be pretty spectacular. If you want your friends wondering where you got your dress the next time you make an appearance at a big event, 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.
Whether or not the pattern calls for it, you need to plan on lining your dress. You will need good lining material, which costs a little more. The extra step takes more time, but you'll be glad the dress is lined when you sit down in it for the first time. Without lining, the material is going to be scratchy and uncomfortable. You may eliminate some facing pieces by using lining, which will help with the bulkiness.
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.
Most experienced seamstresses iron as they go to open their seams and keep the material easier to work with. You can't iron sequined material. The heat might actually melt the sequins, but if it doesn't do that, it will certainly damage them. Ideally you will be removing the sequins from the inside seams to help keep them flat. If you are trying to skip that step, you could try finger pressing the seams or getting something like a rolling pin to flatten them.
There are certain types of material that will make a mess of your sewing machine, and sequin fabric is one of them. It will can also ruin scissors and will certainly dull the blades. Instead of your expensive shears, get out an old pair of scissors you can throw away after if you want. Leather needles are what you need to get through sequins. Don't try to use your serger. It won't work.
If you are going to work with sequined fabric, you have to have the right attitude. Your table, floor, and clothes are going to be covered with pieces of flaky silver or gold no matter how careful you are. This is not a job you can rush. When you do, you'll end up making mistakes and ordering more material.
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.
Whether or not the pattern calls for it, you need to plan on lining your dress. You will need good lining material, which costs a little more. The extra step takes more time, but you'll be glad the dress is lined when you sit down in it for the first time. Without lining, the material is going to be scratchy and uncomfortable. You may eliminate some facing pieces by using lining, which will help with the bulkiness.
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.
Most experienced seamstresses iron as they go to open their seams and keep the material easier to work with. You can't iron sequined material. The heat might actually melt the sequins, but if it doesn't do that, it will certainly damage them. Ideally you will be removing the sequins from the inside seams to help keep them flat. If you are trying to skip that step, you could try finger pressing the seams or getting something like a rolling pin to flatten them.
There are certain types of material that will make a mess of your sewing machine, and sequin fabric is one of them. It will can also ruin scissors and will certainly dull the blades. Instead of your expensive shears, get out an old pair of scissors you can throw away after if you want. Leather needles are what you need to get through sequins. Don't try to use your serger. It won't work.
If you are going to work with sequined fabric, you have to have the right attitude. Your table, floor, and clothes are going to be covered with pieces of flaky silver or gold no matter how careful you are. This is not a job you can rush. When you do, you'll end up making mistakes and ordering more material.
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.
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