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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Instead of starting with a full blown dress, you might try something simple like a sleeveless top. If you're pleased with the results, you can go on to a more complicated project. Either way, everyone will think you are wearing exclusive 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Instead of starting with a full blown dress, you might try something simple like a sleeveless top. If you're pleased with the results, you can go on to a more complicated project. Either way, everyone will think you are wearing exclusive designer clothes.
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