Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday!
I’ve been posting weekly tips here for over 8 years! I want to start creating video tips as well, but, as I realized when I tried to film one this week, I am sadly in need of better equipment! I had a holder for my phone and I had a tripod, but it turns out they’re not compatible! Fortunately, I am an experienced MacGyver (I was once even nominated for a Golden Pastie in that category) and with some painter’s tape and other things I found around the house, managed to mate them long enough to film, but it was really awkward.
If you would like to see video Tips and tutorials, consider becoming a Patron! With more Patrons, I can splurge on some better equipment and maybe even have someone else involved, which will make for *much* a better quality product. The videos are going to be Patron only!
And now for your tip…
Sequined fabrics require special treatment when sewing.
First off, the sequins will dull your scissors, so don’t use your best fabric shears to cut out your garment.
They’ll dull your needles too, so remove all the sequins from your stitching lines. Sequins add bulk, so also remove them from the seam and hem allowances. And they’re scratchy. You’ll be just as happy not having them on the inside of your garment.
Removing sequins is a little tedious, since you don’t want to snip the threads holding the sequins in place — you’ll lose all the other sequins on that thread. Instead, snip the sequin itself (again, not with the good scissors!). Put down a dropcloth before you start because this will get messy! You’ll also need to do the same thing if you’re working with beaded fabric, but you can just smash the beads (lightly!) with a hammer. Wear eye protection!
When sewing the fabric, wear the above-mentioned eye protection as well, just in case you strike a sequin by mistake and your needle breaks.
When pressing sequined fabric, always use a press cloth to protect the sequins from the heat of your iron. They’re only plastic and can melt or discolor.
Save your fabric scraps, so if you lose some sequins on your finished garment, you can harvest some from a scrap and sew them on the bald spot.
Go forth — sew your sequins and sparkle smartly!
Like this costuming tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Burlesque Costuming.
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Oh, The Glamourous Life! 
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