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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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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