Even if you are a good seamstress, the idea of trying your hand at a sequined dress may seem pretty intimidating. You know how expensive the material is, and the idea of ruining it or not finishing the project, may keep you from even attempting it. If you are planning to attend a big event though, and want to make a big splash with your outfit, sparkle fabrics are the way to go.
You need to keep it simple with an easy design and a basic pattern. You will have to use a pattern appropriate to stretch materials because material with sewn sequins has a stretchy element to it. This material tends to be somewhat bulky as well, so a design with a straightforward shape works best. Patterns that have small pieces and darts should be avoided.
You need to plan on lining your dress, including sleeves. This is an extra step and will take some extra time, but it's worth it. Not only will the dress hang better when you wear it, it won't scratch your skin and make it uncomfortable to sit. As long as your pattern is simple, it won't matter whether or not lining is called for. You can just add it yourself.
Top stitching is a popular detail, but it won't work with sequined material. When you are looking at patterns, you should find one that doesn't use top stitching to create necklines or hemlines. You can slip stitch the lining to the sequined material.
Experienced seamstresses always iron as they work because it eliminates a lot of simple mistakes. Unfortunately, ironing isn't an option when you are working with sequin fabric. The sequins could melt or become deformed when you try it. Removing the sequins from the seams is the best idea, but if you don't want to do that, you might try flattening seams with a rolling pin.
You can have machine problems working with this kind of fabric is you don't watch out. Leather needles work well. They are tough enough to pierce the sequins. Your regular needles will break. You should use old scissors instead of your expensive shears when you are working with sequins. They will dull the blades no matter how sharp the scissors started out.
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.
You need to keep it simple with an easy design and a basic pattern. You will have to use a pattern appropriate to stretch materials because material with sewn sequins has a stretchy element to it. This material tends to be somewhat bulky as well, so a design with a straightforward shape works best. Patterns that have small pieces and darts should be avoided.
You need to plan on lining your dress, including sleeves. This is an extra step and will take some extra time, but it's worth it. Not only will the dress hang better when you wear it, it won't scratch your skin and make it uncomfortable to sit. As long as your pattern is simple, it won't matter whether or not lining is called for. You can just add it yourself.
Top stitching is a popular detail, but it won't work with sequined material. When you are looking at patterns, you should find one that doesn't use top stitching to create necklines or hemlines. You can slip stitch the lining to the sequined material.
Experienced seamstresses always iron as they work because it eliminates a lot of simple mistakes. Unfortunately, ironing isn't an option when you are working with sequin fabric. The sequins could melt or become deformed when you try it. Removing the sequins from the seams is the best idea, but if you don't want to do that, you might try flattening seams with a rolling pin.
You can have machine problems working with this kind of fabric is you don't watch out. Leather needles work well. They are tough enough to pierce the sequins. Your regular needles will break. You should use old scissors instead of your expensive shears when you are working with sequins. They will dull the blades no matter how sharp the scissors started out.
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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