Thread: Sewing Stretch Sequin Fabric?

Does anyone know how to sew stretch sequin fabric, and willing to give advice on techniques? I have a basic sewing machine and plan to get a serger soon. I'm not sure which I need to sew this material.

Here is an example of the inside & outside so you know what I'm referring to:


I'd like to be able to use this type of fabric for more full costumes without the sequins falling off everywhere as I try to sew. What's the trick to this? I'm especially curious how people use this for costumes that involve zippers or velcro.

Thanks!

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Do you need to keep the stretch in the fabric? If not, sticking interfacing on the back will help to keep them from unraveling. I would not recommend over-locking this type of fabric. If you want to keep the stretch in use a zig zag stitch and leave yourself 2cm seam allowance and you should be fine. If you want to reinforce the seams iron on your interfacing to the opened seam on the inside. Remember when sewing sequin fabric to use a really really thick needle (100+) and go really slow. once you have cut the pattern pieces try and not move them about too much and sew them up quickly - this will reduce the chances of the sequins unraveling. If you do however find some of them have started just put a spot of fabric glue on the inside to stop it further.

Hope that helps

also if sewing any type of stretch fabric you need to use a ballpoint machine needle, otherwise you may cut the fibres and cause it to ladder.

I would advise practising sewing on plain jersey before you attempt sequinned fabric if you are a novice so that you get the technique and fit sorted first

I've done sewing and some costume making before. I'm more concerned when it comes to intermediate - advanced work such as sequins. I also want to do corsets, but I'm very concerned about messing up and there is only 1 person in my state who offers classes on corset making - which are 8 week workshops. I tend to not be in town long enough to take long workshops such as that.

The advice on the needle & interfacing is very helpful! I assume I would just leave a bit of extra interfacing to attach zippers/buttons to if I wanted them?