How to Sew a Sequin on Fabric

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Adding sequins to cloth is an easy way to dress up an otherwise uneventful clothing item. Sequins are a staple part of many costumes, from ballet to the circus, so if you or your children need costumes, knowing how to sew on a sequin is always a handy skill. All sequins (whether sewn by hand or by machine, whether flat or cup shaped) are attached using thread or filament (clear thread). This article teaches you how to hand sew a sequin into place.

Steps

1
Begin with fine, long needle and suitable thread. The thread should be fine and strong; silk or cotton are good natural choices while polyester thread is long-lasting.^{[1]
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Research source} Place the needle and thread on the underside of the fabric where you intend sewing the sequin into place.
- Match the thread to the color of the sequin rather than to the fabric.
2
Place the sequin with care on the top side of the fabric, sitting in the position that you want it to be.

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3
Bring the needle up through the fabric. Draw it through the center of the sequin. Leave a long tail of thread on the underside.
4
Return to the backside of the fabric. Cross the thread over the top of the sequin.
5
Tie the ends of the thread together on the back side to create secure knot.
6
Move on to the next sequin. The more that you sew, the faster this will become as you get used to the rhythm of going through the motions.
- When sewing sequins in a row, be sure that they're not overlapping unless this is the final look you wish to achieve.

Community Q&A

Question

Are there any steps I can take when washing for keeping the sequins in good form?

Community Answer

Always use a delicates bag in the washer, or wash by hand. Try not to use water that is too hot, or avoid washing the garment, in general.
Question

I still don't get how to end the stitch. How would I tie the knot so it's secure?

Community Answer

You will start your stitch coming up from the bottom side of your fabric, leaving a "tail" of thread hanging loose. Continue with your stitch. After the last move coming down through fabric, you should have the needle and thread coming out of the bottom side of your fabric right close to where your original "tail" is coming out. Take both of those pieces of thread and tie them together just like you would tie your shoe, only tie it in a knot, not a bow. Trim the threads close to the knot and you're done. Or, if you are sewing sequins close together, continue on with your thread and needle without trimming it off, or you will be snipping thread all day long.
Question

Can sequins be glued to fabric?

Community Answer

Yes, but be sure to use hot glue for the best results.

Warnings

Sequins and threads can both break - do not give items with sequins to children under 3 as if they fall off, they can be a choking hazard.

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Don't cut sequins with scissors as they damage the blades. If you need to remove sequins from fabric, cut the thread to remove them, not the sequin itself.

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