Sequins are great for adding a bit of sparkle to a project but how is best to attach them?
1. Single stitch
A single through the centre to one edge is the easiest way to attach a sequin. It works well whether you are using invisible thread, matching thread or contrasting thread. It’s also a great technique to use if you are overlapping sequins. But it’s not the best technique to use if your piece will be rubbing against something else as the sequins can flip or bend.
2. Multiple stitches
These give a much more secure finish. Most commonly I’d just use two stitches at 180 degrees to give the look of a continual line but you could use three, four or more stitches in a more decorative fashion - the more stitches the more secure the sequin. I tend to use invisible beading thread for this technique as I want the focus to be on the sequin rather than the thread.
3. Sequin trims
Trims are great for adding a line of sequins quickly. Sequin trims come ready stitched onto thread so to attach these you just need to couch the thread or stitch through the sequins using small straight stitches. When working with sequin trim you need to plan how you secure the start and edge of the trim. You can slip a couple of sequins off the trim and then fold the thread under and couch this in place. Alternatively slip off a few more and then sew the end of the trim through to the wrong side and secure there.
4. Sequin patches
There are some amazing sequin patches available and these are the easiest way to add sequins to a large area or in a particular pattern with minimal effort. You just need to so some small straight stitches to secure the patch. The only thing to consider when using patches is that you get the right size as these can be difficult to trim to the right size without all the sequins falling off!
5. Beads
I love combining the sparkle of sequins with even more shininess by using a seed bead to secure sequins. Just bring the needle up through the centre hole, thread on a bead and then take the needle back down the centre hole. Because the bead is bigger than the hole it keeps the sequin nice and snug.
6. French knots
These can work in a similar way to beads to secure a sequin, rather than sewing on a bead, you just use one or more French knots to hold the sequin in place. The one thing you do need to make sure is that the finished knot or group of knots is much bigger than the hole, if they are just slightly bigger then the sequin could pop off the knot if rubbed the wrong way. It is best not to use this technique for sequins that will have regular rubbing/contact for this reason.
Want to try embellishing some sequins? I include sequins in my floral stitch sampler kit and my spring blossom kit.
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