Sequin Fabric

No, the sequins themselves are not made of fabric; they are small, shimmering discs typically made from a lightweight, reflective plastic (like Mylar) or vinyl. However, “sequin fabric” refers to the entire textile, which is created by stitching or gluing thousands of these plastic discs onto a base fabric, such as a woven tulle mesh or a stretchy Lycra backing.

Sewing sequin fabric requires patience and a few specific techniques, but it is very manageable! You cannot use a standard needle, as the hard plastic discs will snap it. Always use a fresh, heavy-duty needle (like a Leather or Denim needle, size 90/14 or 100/16) to cleanly pierce the sequins. We also recommend using a slightly longer stitch length and sewing slowly to avoid needle breakage.

For the most professional and comfortable finish, yes. If you sew sequins directly into a seam, they add extreme bulk, can cause the seam to buckle, and will be incredibly scratchy against the skin. Before sewing your pieces together, take a seam ripper or small scissors and carefully remove the individual sequins lying within your 1.5cm seam allowance, taking care not to cut the base fabric or the main securing thread.

Never use your best dressmaking shears to cut sequin fabric! The hard plastic discs will quickly dull the blades and can even cause small nicks in the metal. Instead, dedicate an older, cheaper pair of scissors specifically for cutting heavily embellished fabrics, or use a rotary cutter on a self-healing mat. Always cut from the back (wrong side) of the fabric to minimize the number of sequins you slice through.