How to Work With Metal Sequin Cloth

How to Work With Metal Sequin Cloth

Sequined fabric is flashy, sparkly, and oh-so-glam.metal sequin cloth It’s a versatile textile that’s loved by all from glitter-loving drag queens and high-fashion celebrities to festivalgoers, children begging for a sugar rush of sparkles, and everyone in between. There are a few things to keep in mind when working with sequin cloth, however. The first is that this type of fabric is usually considered to be a specialty material that requires special equipment, including a special needle and thread that will not break easily when stitching through sequins. The other thing to keep in mind is that most sequin fabrics are reversible, which means you’ll want to take extra care when cutting pattern pieces to make sure you don’t accidentally cut through the sparkly bits.

The word “sequin” dates back to the Arabic sikka, which morphed into the Venetian word zecchino and then, in the late 16th Century, into French sequin.metal sequin cloth Throughout history, garments were embellished with shiny metal disks to signify wealth and status, often taking hours to hand sew by skilled seamstresses. The earliest documented use of sequins as part of fashion was when ancient nomadic tribes tied coins onto their clothing, and the practice continued into more formal wear.

In 1922, archaeologists opened the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen, uncovering stunning garments decorated with gold-leafed sequins.metal sequin cloth The artifacts inspired Western designers to create glistening gowns that would reflect the sparkling artifacts. By the 1930s, manufacturers developed a process to create lightweight spangles of gelatin coated in lead paint. While these sequins looked amazing, they were impractical for everyday wear, melting at body heat and dripping off at the slightest touch. In the 1940s, scientists developed acetate sequins, which were more practical for everyday use and became the staple of mid-century glamour. Today, plastic-based sequins are used by all from celebrity fashionistas and dazzling athletes to ardent festivalgoers and kids lining up for their glitter fix.

The enduring popularity of these shiny, sparkly fabrics has led to questions about their sustainability, particularly as they are largely produced with fossil fuels for both the raw materials and energy required for their production.metal sequin cloth Fossil-based sequins are not biodegradable, so they take up space in landfills for decades and even centuries. Washing plastic-based sequins can also release microplastics into marine environments, which can harm wildlife. The key to purchasing sustainable sequins is to look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX and STeP by OEKO-TEX, which ensure that the products are free from harmful chemicals. It’s also important to check that the company is B Corp certified, which indicates a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. You can also choose organic, recycled-content, or eco-friendly options.