Even good home seamstresses often shy away from making formal dresses out of delicate fabric. Fabric is expensive, and these are more expensive than most. When made correctly however, the results can be spectacular. If you are considering impressing your friends at the next party by showing up in sparkles from head to toe, there are some simple tips that will make sewing sparkle fabrics easier and more successful.
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 everywhere these days, but it doesn't work on sequined material. If your neckline is simple you can sew the lining to it, turn it inside, and have a neat, clean look without the top stitching. Slip stitching the lining to the fabric is fine.
Ironing as you go is a sign of a true seamstress. The experienced know this makes sewing easier and eliminates a lot of potential trouble spots. Ironing sequined material will get you in trouble however. You might melt the sequins or damage them significantly. The best thing to do is remove the sequins from the inside to flatten the seam. If you are trying to avoid this tedious process, you can try finger pressing the seams.
Working with these types of materials can make a mess of your machine if you aren't careful. They will also dull the blade of even the sharpest scissors. Instead of using your expensive shears, it's a good idea to get some old scissors and use them. Experts suggest using a leather needle when working with sequins. It's heavy enough to piece the sequin. You can't use your serger at all.
Above all you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. Working with these kinds of materials is messy and can be frustrating. You need to go slowly, because making a big mistake can be costly. There will be sequins everywhere, but that's okay. Perfectionists might insist the sequins must be removed from the inside seams, but if you don't do it, nobody but you will know.
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 everywhere these days, but it doesn't work on sequined material. If your neckline is simple you can sew the lining to it, turn it inside, and have a neat, clean look without the top stitching. Slip stitching the lining to the fabric is fine.
Ironing as you go is a sign of a true seamstress. The experienced know this makes sewing easier and eliminates a lot of potential trouble spots. Ironing sequined material will get you in trouble however. You might melt the sequins or damage them significantly. The best thing to do is remove the sequins from the inside to flatten the seam. If you are trying to avoid this tedious process, you can try finger pressing the seams.
Working with these types of materials can make a mess of your machine if you aren't careful. They will also dull the blade of even the sharpest scissors. Instead of using your expensive shears, it's a good idea to get some old scissors and use them. Experts suggest using a leather needle when working with sequins. It's heavy enough to piece the sequin. You can't use your serger at all.
Above all you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. Working with these kinds of materials is messy and can be frustrating. You need to go slowly, because making a big mistake can be costly. There will be sequins everywhere, but that's okay. Perfectionists might insist the sequins must be removed from the inside seams, but if you don't do it, nobody but you will know.
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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