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.
If your pattern is too complicated, you won't be able to use the sequined material to make it. The more basic the pattern, the better the chance that your project will be a success. You need to choose a pattern appropriate for stretch material and that doesn't include things like princess seams, darts, or little pieces like pocket flaps.
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 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.
Since you've decided to give sewing sequin fabric a try, you have to remember that it's not like most material. You just have to relax and take your time when you are working with it. There's no point in trying to clean the metallic pieces off the table or out of the carpet until you're finished. Don't feel bad if you don't remove the sequins from the seams. It's not a big deal.
You don't have to start off making a full blown outfit. You could start with an easy sleeveless top. Once you have accomplished that project, you can move on to something more elaborate. It will be fun to watch your friends eyeing your new designer dress with envy.
If your pattern is too complicated, you won't be able to use the sequined material to make it. The more basic the pattern, the better the chance that your project will be a success. You need to choose a pattern appropriate for stretch material and that doesn't include things like princess seams, darts, or little pieces like pocket flaps.
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 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.
Since you've decided to give sewing sequin fabric a try, you have to remember that it's not like most material. You just have to relax and take your time when you are working with it. There's no point in trying to clean the metallic pieces off the table or out of the carpet until you're finished. Don't feel bad if you don't remove the sequins from the seams. It's not a big deal.
You don't have to start off making a full blown outfit. You could start with an easy sleeveless top. Once you have accomplished that project, you can move on to something more elaborate. It will be fun to watch your friends eyeing your new designer dress with envy.
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