sewing sequined fabric
#1
sewing sequined fabric
I need to sew a tablecloth for a wedding and the bride's choice is this heavily sequined black mesh fabric. I was planning on serging the seams but am unsure if the fabric will move properly through the serger. Has anyone sewn on this type of facric before? I am hoping the blade on the serger will slice through the sequins too. Should I reinforce the seam with tape or something? I am reluctant to start on this for fear of ruining the beautiful fabric. All suggestions are appreciated.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NM
Posts: 993
You will have to pick off the sequins where the seam goes. Sometimes the needle will split the sequin and fall off. I have not sewn this on a serger was afraid the serger blades would dull cutting through the sequins.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,335
I tried sewing this kind of fabric a while ago (for a costume) and none of my machines would go through the sequins, including vintage singers. The needles would get gummed up, stalled, etc. I concur with picking off the sequins where the seam goes. Personally I wouldn't risk it with the serger, but, will wait to see if anyone else has had good luck with that.
#5
The last time I sewed with that type of fabric, I used a size 14 needle and a narrow seam. You may also overlap the seams so there is nothing to turn under. A good book on bridal and specialty sewing from your libary will help a lot. Is there to be a lining under this lovely fabric? If so the overlap may work out best. Good luck with your project. Trish
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
Definitely pick off the sequins to clear an area for the seams. If you have bare spots after sewing, then reattach some of the sequines. Have done this before and it worked well.
Is the fabric under the sequins knit or woven? If it is knit you can use a normal machine because the fabric won't shred. IMHO sequined cloth is quite heavy and it drags when sewing a sizable piece. I would think that the weight could be an issue with a serger and its speed. I know you need to be very careful about guiding the fabric and holding the seam width constant.
Is the fabric under the sequins knit or woven? If it is knit you can use a normal machine because the fabric won't shred. IMHO sequined cloth is quite heavy and it drags when sewing a sizable piece. I would think that the weight could be an issue with a serger and its speed. I know you need to be very careful about guiding the fabric and holding the seam width constant.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 1,231
I agree with Rosiewell! I used to make my daughter's figure skating dresses, and they almost always had sequins. Slowly is the key! I f you try to pick off enough sequins to give you a free sewing edge, the sequins will unravel from one end of the material to the other, as they are all interconnected, and when you pull one thread..it will just keep unraveling.
Also...being that this particular fabric has a very open mesh behind the sequins, I would definately use seam binding on it...the seam binding will stabilize that mesh, and also help the fabric glide though your machine.
I have a seger and love it..but would not use it on this project..it won't be of benefit, and will dull a good blade..just use a fairly short straight stitch on a regular machine. Good luck!
Also...being that this particular fabric has a very open mesh behind the sequins, I would definately use seam binding on it...the seam binding will stabilize that mesh, and also help the fabric glide though your machine.
I have a seger and love it..but would not use it on this project..it won't be of benefit, and will dull a good blade..just use a fairly short straight stitch on a regular machine. Good luck!
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07-27-2011 07:29 PM