The Pros and Cons of Sequins Fabric

The Pros and Cons of Sequins Fabric

Sequins fabric sparkle and shimmer, catching the light and reflecting it back in various colors.sequins fabric They add a glamorous touch to a dress, and are perfect for a party or a festive evening event. They also work well as a fun material for non-garment items like bags or throw pillows.

While sequins are a lot of fun to use, they’re not without their drawbacks, both for the environment and your sewing machine.sequins fabric For starters, they require a lot of attention to use - it’s easy to pierce your needles or tear your fabric with rough handling. To avoid this, take the time to read the instructions carefully and be extra-gentle when cutting or pressing seams.

You’ll also need to invest in a few special tools and supplies – a sharp fine-point needle for your sewing machine, a pair of extra large, preferably coloured sewing scissors, and perhaps a set of tweezers (to grab any renegade sequins that pop off during the finishing process). Make sure you have plenty of spare sequins as well – these are very useful if you encounter any bald spots near seam lines, as you can hand sew them onto the fabric to cover up the gaps.

Fossil fuels are used in the manufacturing of these fabrics, and they require a significant amount of energy to extract, refine, and burn. This releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change, and pollutes air, water, and habitats globally. Washing fossil-based plastic sequins can also release microplastic into marine environments, affecting wildlife. Fossil-based sequins are not biodegradable, and they can linger in landfills for decades.

The more sustainable option is to look for a sequin fabric that is both made from and contains recycled polyester. Check the label for the OEKO-TEX or STeP by OEKO-TEX certification, which are standards of quality that guarantee that chemicals and toxins have been eliminated from the production of this fabric. Look for the Cradle2Cradle certification as well, which is a global standard that verifies products meet a high level of circularity across five critical categories: material health, resource efficiency, water stewardship, carbon management, and social fairness.

If you want to make a truly green choice, consider purchasing sequins fabric that is organic cotton or lyocell-based. These materials are far less toxic to your body, and the textile industry uses fewer natural resources overall.

If you absolutely must purchase sequins fabric, it’s best to get the highest quality you can afford. Be on the lookout for a ‘peelable’ variety that has one side with a matte finish and the other with sequins, which can be easily flipped over to reveal a different pattern. Use this to make a maxi dress like our Oakley Dress View A, or even something a bit more casual like our Boyfriend Cardigan View A.

Tags:laser embroidery fabric | multi-colored embroidery fabric | 3d flower fabric