Sewing Tips For Turning Sparkle Fabrics Into One Of A Kind Creations
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.
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.
Since you've decided to give sewing sequin fabric a try, you have to remember that it's not like most material. You just have to relax and take your time when you are working with it. There's no point in trying to clean the metallic pieces off the table or out of the carpet until you're finished. Don't feel bad if you don't remove the sequins from the seams. It's not a big deal.
You could always start small and make an easy, sleeveless, sequined top. Once you've completed it successfully you might be ready to move on to something more complicated. Everyone will wonder how you can afford your designer clothes.
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.
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.
Since you've decided to give sewing sequin fabric a try, you have to remember that it's not like most material. You just have to relax and take your time when you are working with it. There's no point in trying to clean the metallic pieces off the table or out of the carpet until you're finished. Don't feel bad if you don't remove the sequins from the seams. It's not a big deal.
You could always start small and make an easy, sleeveless, sequined top. Once you've completed it successfully you might be ready to move on to something more complicated. Everyone will wonder how you can afford your designer clothes.
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